Farmers relieved as Louth Cattle Market set to be refurbished rather than closed down

The council overlooked a proposal to close the livestock market
The council overlooked a proposal to close the livestock market

The council has decided that Louth Cattle Market is set to be refurbished rather than sold off for redevelopment, much to local farmers' relief.

East Lindsey District Council's executive board met last night (27 September) to discuss the future of the market, Lincolnshire's only cattle market and a historic landmark with centuries of history.

The council overlooked a proposal to close the livestock market in favour of a plan to spend around £700,000 to give it a refurbishment.

Over recent months, local farmers have rallied to try to save the historic local landmark, and the council has ran a lengthy consultation period with East Lindsey residents over its future.

Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for rural economy and market towns, said: “In recent weeks I’ve had the opportunity to discuss the future of the Livestock Market with many farmers and residents and am of the view that the recommendation being put to Council is positive for the economy of Louth and the wider farming community.

“If council agrees this as the way forward, there remains the challenge about how the site can be used on more days of the week for the benefit of Louth - a livestock market held one morning each week is clearly not sustainable going forward and there is the need to find a way of ensuring the site is put to good use more often.”

East Lindsey District Council was looking to sell the market and held the consultation to find out people's views on several options.

Of the 4,078 people who took part in the consultation, 3,422 people said that it should be withdrawn from sale and refurbished.