Smithfield auctioneers confirm market improvements - 17th July 2008

Following the publicly announced support of the Smithfield redevelopment scheme by both the NFU and the Farmers’ Union of Wales, Oswestry Cattle Auctions chairman Roy Jones has confirmed a list of improvements for the town’s livestock market which he says are vital if Oswestry is to compete with other more modern markets in the locality and comply with ever-increasing new legislation.

The proposed improvements include covered sheep accommodation, a new calf facility and store cattle sale ring, increased pennage and handling facilities and new covered lairage facilities. There will also be a new canteen and new parking facilities with filter lanes, for both lorries and cars, together with a lorry wash with cleansing and disinfecting facilities. On the administration side a new office complex with interconnected computer system and more electronic display boards will improve the efficiency of the market. 

As has been the case with livestock markets in other towns, funding for the redevelopment is being sought on the back of planning permissions for a retail and leisure scheme on the site which will utilise space superfluous to current day needs. To minimise disruption to farmers during the construction period it is proposed that the livestock market is redeveloped on another part of the site so that the existing market can remain operational in the interim.

The site for the new market will extend to approximately 16 acres, making it larger than some modern livestock markets that have been built recently, or are currently in the process of being constructed, and more than twice the size of some facilities in the catchment area. Reiterating the importance of providing an up to date, modern and user-friendly market,
Roy Jones said today:

"The rationale behind the scheme is that we will be able to accommodate new legislative requirements in respect of animal movement and hygiene and maximise the efficiency of our operation for the benefit of our customers. Having all sections within easy reach of each other means we can enhance the mobility of staff and improve the service we can offer."

"By relocating we release an area of underutilised land that is ideal for redevelopment and will provide the necessary funds for this exciting scheme. As well as safeguarding the future of the market for this and future generations, the scheme will provide the town with around 1,000 new jobs, much needed leisure facilities and the extra food store which the Council has already identified as being needed in Oswestry."