Mart back in business as a collection centre
Mart back in business as a collection centre
By James Garner
ST ASAPH market in north Wales opened its gates at 7am yesterday morning (May 31) for the first time since the foot-and-mouth crisis began.
It is the first collection centre to operate in England and Wales, part of a scheme to allow small consignments of stock to be pooled before being moved to slaughter.
The market, run by Jones Peckover, will operate as a collection centre every Monday and Thursday until normal market trading resumes. Nearby Ruthin market, owned by Clough and Co, will also operate a collection centre on Tuesday and Wednesday.
John Brereton, auctioneer for Jones Peckover, says: Speaking on behalf of auctioneers in north Wales and the borders, we hope over time to improve prices for stock.
"By acting as a collection centre we should be able to increase values, just by being part of the marketing system and offering clients what they require."
Other sites will be announced in the next few days, says the Meat and Livestock Commission. It is processing 15 applications and more are in the pipeline.
Brian Pile of Northampton market believes that setting up a collection centre will probably cost the venue more than it will generate in revenue.
But he hopes to have one up and running next week. "At least we will be using our premises and offering clients a service," he says
Although collection centres will be able to bundle lots together to make up a lorry load, they will not be able to sort stock into batches suitable for different outlets .
Even so the lengthy application process might put some markets off and there have already been complaints of complicated and unwieldy regulations.
"I am concerned that we do not know whether we will be able to operate as a market when restrictions are lifted and we may be forced to adhere to a 21-day fallow period," says Mr Brereton. *
Brian Pile hopes to start filling pens at Northampton market next week.