Local farmers visit Herefordshires new livestock market
A group of county farmers has had its first sight of Herefordshires new livestock market which is currently being built.
The leader of the council, Cllr Roger Phillips, welcomed the farmers to the site off Roman Road and took them round the huge steel-framed structure which will be able to handle around 9,500 sheep and 500 cattle a day.
The roof is now on the penning area and cladding work has begun along with works on the drainage system.
Workmen moved onto the site during spring this year so its great to see the building taking shape and the progress theyve made so far, said Cllr Phillips.
It was particularly pleasing to be able to take around some local farmers who will be using the new market when it opens in the spring next year.
We all agree our current cattle market in the centre of Hereford is not satisfactory. Its come to the end of its life and causes traffic problems due to its location in the city centre.
While many farmers will have fond memories of the old cattle market, were all of the opinion that its time for change. The new market provides a 21st-century facility for the countys livestock sector which plays a crucial role in Herefordshires economy.
I cant wait for the day the first cattle and sheep pass through the new market, he added.
Richard Hyde, co-chairman and director of Hereford Market Auctioneers Ltd, said the new market is an issue close to his heart.
Its wonderful to see it taking shape after 25 years of discussion since I joined the Company in 1986, so were very grateful for the opportunity to view the site together with some of our local farmers.
As Im in daily contact with the project it was easy for me to paint the picture as to where everything will be as we basically have the frame, roof and walls only.
Our greatest complaint at Hereford Market is lack of parking and the congestion that people using the facility have to face, especially in the busy autumn period.
Its wonderful that our local farmers will now have an out of town site which is easily accessible and will have a large, market dedicated, car park right next to the market building.
Were very fortunate that we have very loyal farmers who have put up with congestion over many years and we are very pleased that we will soon be able to offer them a vastly improved facility for the 21st century.
Were aiming to move in April/May of 2011 and we will literally be on the current site one week and at the new premises one week later, added Richard.