Protest over cattle market move

Thousands of people have signed a petition to save the livestock market

Campaigners fighting plans to move a county's only livestock market to a new site have held a demonstration.

A replacement for the cattle market at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, will be built 10 miles (16km) away near Raglan.

Members of the Keep Abergavenny Livestock Market campaign group were joined by farmers and residents for a march and rally in the town.

Monmouthshire council said the cattle market was not "fit for purpose" and would need millions spent on it.

It should be improved, it should progress, but not changed in its basic format Campaigner Jenny Long

Campaign spokesperson Jenny Long said the loss of the market would be a real blow for the town.

"My heart says the character and nature of the town, which is a visitor and market town, shouldn't change. It's attractive," she said.

"It should be improved, it should progress, but not changed in its basic format.

"My head also says it's the only livestock market left in Monmouthshire."

She said almost 5,000 people had signed a petition against the council's decision, including farmers and retailers.

The cattle market would be replaced by a retail park which would include an Asda supermarket and a library.

Bob Greenland, cabinet member for regeneration at Monmouthshire council, said more and more people were going outside the county for their main shopping, causing "economic damage" to Abergavenny.

Schools rebuilding

"The consequences of the council deciding to reverse its decision to develop the site would have to be taken into account," he said.

"The new superstore could not be provided, there would be no new library and, crucially, the council would have to find in excess of £3m to upgrade the market, pay for the brewery yard redevelopment now under way and the fees incurred on the project.

"This money would either have to come from every council tax payer in the county or from the capital investment programme."

He said it would mean either a "massive hike" in council tax or pushing back the county's schools rebuilding programme.

"I doubt that either option would be acceptable to the majority of elected members who would have to make the decision," he said.