Otley Bridge End market to close

By FWi staff

A fall in stock values and commission paid to livestock auctions has been blamed for the closure of Otleys Bridge End market, West Yorkshire.

Opened in 1935, the current operation has faced increasingly difficult trading conditions due to the decline in stock values over the last 3-4 years.

Company chairman, Bill Cowling – a dairy farmer from Huby, near Harrogate – said: “Increasing costs and falling returns have made the operation no longer viable. But well continue with our other activities such as trading in quota.

“The decision has been made with much sadness, but we couldnt let things get to the state where we could not fulfil our obligations.

“All our creditors will be paid.”

Producers appear to be very uncomfortable with prospect of further changes in the provision of local markets with movement of key staff fuelling speculation.

Jeremy Eaton, general manager of Craven Cattle Markets, Skipton quashed speculation that the out-of-town mart was in trouble following the departure of a senior auctioneer.

“We are a store market and in reasonably good shape considering the financial constraints of the current economic climate.”

The departure of staff had been prompted by an offer of early retirement, he explained.