New home proposed for cattle market

Hailsham Cattle Market could be shifted to land near the A22 Diplocks roundabout.

The Hailsham Market Action Group believes the 10 acre site could be the best option.

A two-year option to buy the land at an agreed fixed price has now been taken out by the group.

It is also seeking planning permission.

Aldi wants to build a supermarket on the existing cattle market site in Market Street.

Phil Hook, chairman of the Hailsham Market Partnership, said: 'This really is good news for livestock farmers across the eastern corner of the south-east.

'The future for Hailsham market, and the farmers who depend on it, looks much more secure in the long-term and we look forward to receiving great support for this exciting relocation.'

In November Aldi failed in its bid to move the cattle market to Knight's Farm on the Boship Roundabout.

Wealden District Council refused Aldi permission to build a store at the existing Market Street site.

Consultation with county, district, town and parish councils will now take place about the Diplocks roundabout site.

James Mulleneux, south east policy adviser for the National Farmers Union, said: 'This news will provide an injection of much-needed confidence at a time when many livestock farmers are struggling to cover their cost of production.

'A modern livestock market and rural business centre would provide real assurance to farmers that red meat production has a positive future.

'Reducing food miles and maintaining high animal welfare continue to be important and a new local livestock market sends out all the right signals to our customers.'

The new market could be up-and-running within two to three years.

This week the Express revealed Lidl also wanted to store in the town.

Farmers might have to pay up to 1 million for the cattle market to be re-located

The new market would be owned by a not-for-profit company, Hailsham Cattle Market & Rural Business Centre Ltd.

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