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DON'T TAKE THE COW OUT OF COWBRIDGE: From left, FUW administrative assistant Christine Anstee, county chairman Glyn Jones and area officer Nia Jones.[/caption]
Farmers' Union of Wales members in Glamorganshire have adopted the slogan "Don't take the Cow out of Cowbridge" in their bid to save their local cattle mart.
They revealed the slogan when they marched through the streets of the Vale of Glamorgan town to protest against the proposed closure of the mart.
"The closure of Cowbridge mart would remove a vital lifeline from the town and also make it necessary for farmers to travel far greater distances to sell their stock," said FUW county executive officer Glyn Davies.
"The market deals on average with over 1,000 lambs a week during the summer and autumn period, which makes it clear that the market is vital for local farmers. It is crucial the existing market is kept open as there are no proposed alternative sites," added Mr Davies.
The protest was the biggest demonstration the town has seen in recent years as traders and residents combined in an attempt to save the cattle market.
Local farmers used tractors at the front and rear of the march to protect the walkers as they chanted: "Keep Cowbridge Special - Save our Cattle Market!"
The campaign also has the support of Cowbridge Chamber of Trade, Cowbridge Residents' Group, Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council, the Vale Marketing Group, Cowbridge Charter Trust, Vale MP Alun Cairns, Vale AM Jane Hutt and regional AM Andrew R T Davies.
The Vale Council has resolved to sell the cattle market for housing and has invited companies to submit bids for an extra care housing complex that would cater for the needs of the elderly.