H&H says no plan to sell off markets
H&H says no plan to sell off markets
HARRISON & Hetherington has quashed rumours that it plans to sell off its newly acquired markets at Lazonby and Kirkby Stephen.
David Pritchard, operations director for H&H, said the firms £100,000 investment programme for Lazonby and Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria is evidence of the operators commitment to live marketing and not a short-term investment for this autumns sales.
"It is nothing to do with DEFRA regulations. We are replacing some wooden pens at Lazonby and there will be a new canteen and a bigger office at Kirkby Stephen. We are committed to the long-term future of livestock marketing and want to secure a future for it, not do away with it, contrary to what local rumours might suggest."
As well as a refurbished office at Kirkby Stephen, a computer system will also be installed along with display boards giving farmers extra information about the stock being sold.
Mr Pritchard said an operating license was being applied for to reopen Lazonby market in time for its first breeding sheep sales in the first week of September. *