United Kingdom-Newport Cattle market gets new lease of life.

NEWPORT’S historic cattle market has a new home – in Abergavenny.

The 165-year-old site closed its doors in Pill for the final time last Wednesday to make way for a new Asda store, and there were concerns this could spell the end of the market. But Newport Market Auctioneers have reached an agreement with Abergavenny counterparts which will enable them to carry on trading as normal on Wednesdays.

Mike Davies, a partner at Newport Market Auctioneers, said: "We welcome the fact we can go there and carry on our business. This is essential, as a market we’ve got stock, buyers and sellers - if we don’t operate on a weekly basis, they’ll go somewhere else and won’t come back."

The first day’s trading in the new surroundings will take place next Wednesday, March 11 and continue until a replacement market for Monmouthshire can be established – possibly in Raglan – which will house both auctioneers.

Mr Davies added: "We’re pleased we’ve been able to come to an agreement. It’s a good solution and we’re hoping we’ll keep the whole thing together."

The Abergavenny market is owned by Monmouthshire County Council and a planning application for a replacement market at Bryngwyn, near Raglan, will be considered by planners in the spring. The original plan for the Raglan site was delayed after opponents sought a judicial review.

Deputy leader at Monmouthshire Council Bob Greenland said: "It is good news for all farmers in the area that the auctioneers are coming together to continue the essential livestock auctions in the county. I hope it will not be too long before we see a new market for the 21st century established near Raglan."