“You would not wish any child any harm. But with appropriate signs i understand the farm had not broken any laws? E-coli is not a new thing, and will probably be present in almost every farm in the country. I was always told to wash my hands as a child after going to a farm. And i always wash my hands after handling my own animals. But we cannot expect children to not put their hands in their mouths. So possibly the farm should have been closed sooner? That is a Government issue, and is suprising as we are living in times when everything regarding health and safety is normally over focused. There is a compensation culture in this country and the reaction of the parents could be seen as a case of the heart ruling the head for some form of justice. But some may argue their case is morally right for financial reasons if there are to be any long term implications for the children.”

“Oh yes Norman a win win situation for the parents, I bet they just loved watching their poor kids go through hell. How insensitive can you get? And if you had any knowledge of the legal system you'd know it won't be the parents who benefit from their children's claims: if successful any compensation would be put in trust for the children when they turn 18.”

“Have your kids been infected with E Coli????? WE WASHED HANDS after petting animals and before eating - we did exactly what we were advised to do. I TAKE PERSONAL HYGIENE VERY SERIOUSLY AND ALWAYS HAVE DONE. It is very easy for people to say 'they should have washed their hands' when we did. I actually would take further advise from the Professor, who recommended children under 5 should not pet animals!”

“people so quick to sue. clever QC will point out lack of signs regarding hand washing despite this being common sense when mixing animals and kids. just like peeps who ended up paralysed diving in a shallow ends of pools. if they had any sense they should of checked before diving, a win win situation for parents and legals”

“People say it's all about hygiene and ensuring the kids wash their hands but the majority of people infected have been adults who surely know to wash their hands?! The fact is that E.coli is very easy to catch (esp. if you have a 3 year old child who could put their hands in their mouth at any moment) and Godstone Farm knew about this outbreak a long time before it closed. I therefore think Godstone Farm has breached it's duty of care to these people. I am not surprised people are suing and before you judge them for doing so have you ever suffered the pain of an E.coli infection or witnessed your child going through the same? I hope not.”

“Sorry the kids ill, but there are enough signs telling you to wash your hands etc....and when i have visited very few have.
Nice little earner though if they sue!!”

“Maybe if she'd have washed her kids hands properly, it wouldn't have happened? The onus is on parents to ensure their children's hands are washed after handling animals and Godstone provides adequate facilities for this. The only person to blame here is the parents, not the farm.”

“Although I have every sympathy with the families of children who are or have been poorly, it all comes down to personal hygiene. Hands should be washed thoroughly before eating regardless of whether one has touched animals or not. Even at home!”