FUW BACKS PLANS FOR NEW LIVESTOCK MARKET AT NEWPORT

The Farmers' Union of Wales has offered its "total support" for a planning application to build a new livestock market near Newport following the closure of the town's 160-year-old market at the end of next month.

The auctioneers based at the existing market have applied to Newport Borough Council for planning permission to move to a site at St Brides Wentlooge, where there are a large number of disused buildings, which would lend itself readily for a market venue.

The application is due to go before the council's planning committee on February 11 and the FUW's Gwent county executive officer Glyn Davies has submitted a letter of support.

He believes the loss of Newport Market would have an enormous impact on FUW members in Gwent and Glamorgan as it currently sell up to 2,000 sheep and 300 cattle, with the vast majority coming from local farms.

Mr Davies'' letter adds: "The reliance on Newport has increased considerably over the years due to the closure of Nelson and Cowbridge markets, although I believe Cowbridge now operates on a part-time basis.

"However, Cowbridge would only go a small way to satisfying the needs and demands of livestock farmers in South-East Wales, as the current throughput of sheep and cattle at Newport is very considerable.

"The extra haulage involved for farmers to take their stock to a market outside the area would make it impractical on both a cost and livestock welfare basis.

"The proximity of Newport to the motorway network makes it an ideal location for a livestock market, whilst the Welsh Assembly's current policy of promoting local food procurement gives added weight to the need for a livestock market in the Newport area.

"Thus the importance of a market in the Newport area cannot be over emphasised as without it a vital cog in the production of food at a local level will be lost. It is also vital that there is a seamless transition from the current site to a new location.

"Any break in trading will cause purchasers and vendors to seek alternative arrangements therefore making the launch of a new market much more difficult.

"I understand there has been a livestock market in Newport for some 160 years and this fact has brought an enormous amount of income to the town as well as forming part of its heritage.

"It would therefore be a travesty if the Borough were to ignore the calls of the farming community when it has been one of its most loyal supporters for so many years.

"On behalf of our members in Gwent and Glamorgan I must urge you to grant the application."