United Kingdom-Newport cattle market.

UNITED KINGDOM- NEWPORT CATTLE MARKET.

A Vital decision affecting Newport’s historic cattle market will be taken on the same day that the hammer falls for the last time on the site it has used for 165 years.

Its very future now appears to be hanging in the balance with planning officers reversing a recommendation on a new temporary home for the weekly livestock sales.

Two weeks ago, they were suggesting that councillors gave the go-ahead for the market to be held on a farm in Wentlooge while a new permanent site was established.

It was stressed it was imperative to have a base up and running before March for the continuity of the business.

But a decision was dramatically deferred after officers said they needed to assess new information that had come to light about another potential business on the site which could affect traffic levels.

It was seen as imperative that it was dealt with urgently and it was agreed to hold a special meeting this Wednesday.

But officers are now recommending the committee refuse permission because, they say, the surrounding rural and village roads network would be inadequate for the traffic using the market every Wednesday.

Michael Davies, a partner in Newport Market Auctioneers, said they were still discussing the situation with officers.

But he agreed it would be a huge blow if the application was turned down.

Eighteen people are employed by the market, which has to leave its present site in Pill this week to make way for a new Asda store.

Hundreds of people have signed petitions opposing the relocation but farmers and their representatives say it is essential to have a local market both to enable hundreds of farmers to continue to buy and sell their livestock and in the interests of animal welfare.