CHINESE restaurants in West Somerset have been hit by fear of the deadly SARS virus.

The Far East is at the centre of concerns over the pneumonia-like respiratory illness, which has seen over 4,000 cases worldwide and caused around 300 deaths.

And public worries have led to a 20 per cent drop in takings at Chinese restaurants thanks to unfounded rumours that the virus could be caught there.

Gary Lee, of the Somerset Chinese Society, told the Somerset County Gazette: "I want to assure people that the Chinese community in Somerset is very aware of SARS and people's fears and we are acting responsibly to ensure all proper precautions are taken."

The LibDems parliamentary spokesman for Bridgwater and West Somerset, James Main said the decline in business was lower in this area than in other parts of the country but that Chinese restaurants and takeaways were still being unfairly hit.

"With large parties cancelling bookings citing SARS as the reason, we must be careful not to victimise these businesses."

WEST Somerset's Tory MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has warned people not to "work themselves up into a state" about the SARS virus. He said: "I'm monitoring the situation but anyone who is worried about travelling overseas should consult their GP or travel agent."