Cattle market back in action

Roger Waters, director of South East Marts, the company which runs the market in Hailsham, said: 'Naturally we are delighted that the restrictions have been lifted but the conditions imposed by Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs] have become more onerous.

'Veterinary inspections of all stock that comes into the market remain very stringent and the department is imposing rigorous cleaning and disinfection provisions which, of course, we will observe scrupulously.'

He continued: 'We gather that some of the more demanding provisions will be relaxed when the surveillance zone is lifted, something that will hopefully happen this month.

'Our first market was a little smaller than usual but it was good to be up and running a week earlier than expected.

But interest was keen with enquiries on all stock resulting in total clearance. The farmers went away pleased.'

South East Marts operates both a 'fat' market where most of the stock goes to an abbatoir for meat and a store market where animals are transfered for further fattening.

Although general removal controls have been lifted there is still a 20-day control in force whereby animals that are moved from market must remain at their new location for 20 days before transportation elsewhere.

Mr Waters said: 'Personally I hope all restrictions are lifted promptly since the recent incidents appear to have been very much isolated cases and, regrettably, ones that can be laid squarely at the door of the Government.

'In 2001 we were closed for exactly 12 months. It was gratifying that after the recent alert all stock movements ceased within a matter of hours, so containing any possible spread.'