This follows a meeting of companies and organisations with an interest in the threatened livestock market which considered an interim report into the implications of proposals from Aldi, the supermarket chain.
Aldi has acquired the market site to build a new store and residential properties but is prepared to allow the market to continue at the rear.
Local farmers and businesses will be invited to give their views as part of the new study which, among other things, will explore likely future demand for the market which has been part of Hailsham’s heritage for 750 years.
The report will also seek to clarify what size market is needed, where it should be located, the costs involved, how it could be funded and how its long term future could be protected.
Representatives from Aldi Stores Ltd, East Sussex County Council, the Country Landowners’ Association, East Sussex Economic Partnership, English Nature, Hailsham Market Action Group, National Farmers’ Union, South East Marts, Sussex Enterprise, Wealden District Council and the Wealden and Rother Regeneration Partnership attended the meeting.
Councillor Bob Tidy, East Sussex County Council lead cabinet member for community planning, said: "All those involved are committed to ensuring the long-term viability of a livestock market to serve the needs of the farming community.
"They also want to ensure that plans are developed in line with farmers’ views and needs. South East Marts, who currently run the market, stated they would welcome input and commitment from the farming community, and that they would be willing to hand control of the company to farmers if a way forward can be agreed by all involved.
"The impact of any changes on businesses in Hailsham will also be explored in the new study and the local Chamber of Commerce will be invited to participate in the study and future meetings.”
Production of the new report will be co-ordinated by Sussex Enterprise with financial contributions from them and all the other agencies involved.
Ben Ellis, Planning Consultant to Aldi, said: "The company is keen to find a solution that will ensure the long-term future of the market. The meeting was a big step forward and we are pleased that farmers and others will now have an opportunity to say how they would like to see the market develop.”
David White speaking on behalf of Hailsham Market Action Group expressed himself generally satisfied with the outcome of the meeting but emphasised that it was important to remember that there was a market currently operating from the present site that met the needs of the market users and that the farming community has already pledged support to continue to run a market for the benefit of all.
The NFU, Market Action Group and CLA will co-ordinate activities to ensure that all regular users of the market – mainly farmers from Sussex, Kent and Surrey – have their voices heard.
Any farmers who wish to be involved should contact Joanna Hill at East Sussex County Council on 01273 481816 or email: joanna.hill@eastsussex.gov.uk
Reference:
05/039/DB
Contact the press team
