Market to close?

20 June 1997

Market to close?

STURMINSTER Newton, one of the countrys biggest calf markets, faces an uncertain future.

Mon, June 30, could mark the last auction, after landlord Sturminster Holdings served notice to quit on operators Premier Livestock Auctions. The site seems set for supermarket and residential development.

The town council hopes to raise £1m in an attempt to buy the site and ensure the mart can continue. And it has pledged a £100,000 contribution to this.

David Lock of PLA said he "regretted the disappearance of any market". Mr Lock added that he hoped farmers would take calves to Yeovil and Frome marts, where they would be sold on Wednesdays.n