Markets first

30 May 1997

Markets first

NEXT week marks the first anniversary of Cirencester markets new lease of life.

With throughput having slumped in the wake of the BSE crisis, the mart was on the brink of closure, when Bruton Knowles stepped in, renting it from Cotswold District Council.

Running nearby Gloucester market, the firm shares resources between the two, says auctioneer Gavin Loynes.

About £30,000 has been spent at Cirencester in the last year on resurfacing work and structural improvements.

At its peak, the Tuesday sale has seen 175 cattle and 900 finished sheep entered. The use of the mart as an over-30-month-scheme collection centre has also been a factor in ensuring its viability, says Mr Loynes.