THE Rural Payments Agency has set up support centres in Worcestershire and Herefordshire to help farmers with their basic payment scheme applications.

They need to hand in their application form, RLE1 form and any supporting documents. They can also get a basic check of their forms to ensure they have included their SBI number, land data, filled in the active farmer section and signed the declaration.

RPA customer director Justin Chamberlain said: " A range of support is available to help farmers with their basic payment scheme application and this includes the creation of support centres across the country. No farmer should be more than 30 miles from a support centre and we also have mobile support units to bring the service to areas where it is needed most. I would advise farmers to get their claim started as early possible so that they have plenty of time to access any support they may need.”

In Worcester, the support centre can be found at the Natural England office at Block B Government Buildings, Whittington Road and is open Tuesday to Thursday, from 9am to 5pm. In Hereford, the support centre is based at the NFU Members Association in Agriculture House, Beech Business Park, Tillington Road on Tuesdays, from 10am to 4pm.

Farmers can also can ask general questions about BPS and get a submission receipt for their application form and RLE1 form.

Farmers who still require help to register on the Rural Payments system, together with agents who need to make five or more claims, need to make an appointment at a support centre by calling the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301.