Axe falls on Ripon market

By FWi staff

RIPON Market is the latest casualty of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

After 140 years operating on its present site, the market will not reopen when marts are allowed to begin trading again next year.

The site is likely to be sold for housing after shareholders and members voted in favour of redevelopment at a recent meeting.

The market had a weekly throughput of 190 cattle, 550 pigs and 800 sheep last year. But revenue fell this year after foot-and-mouth forced it to shut.

Chairman of Ripon Farmers Livestock Market, farmer Hugh Greensit, expressed his concern over future throughputs because stock number have been hit hard in North Yorkshrie.

“There will be fewer markets when they reopen, but I do hope livestock farmers will support them well.”