Hailsham cattle market plans £1.5million move

A historic cattle market could be moved to an out-of-town site and turned into a rural business centre.

Hailsham livestock market faced uncertainty when its site in Market Street was bought by German supermarket chain Aldi two years ago.

But plans have been unveiled a £1.5 million cattle market and business centre on a ten-acre plot next to Diplock roundabout on the A22.

It is hoped the market will provide dozens of jobs for people in nearby Hailsham.

If planning permission is granted the site could be built and running within two years.

The Hailsham market partnership has secured funding for the scheme and the market action group has set out a business plan.

The next step will be to be obtain planning permission to use the site for cattle trading.

Phil Hook, chairman of the Hailsham market action group, 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, look much more secure in the long-term and we look forward to receiving great support for this exciting relocation.

"The new scheme would would improve standards of animal welfare by having covered pens and provide better auction facilities."

It would be owned and managed by a not-for-profit company set up by farmers to ensure its long-term security.

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.