Tesco to take over Shrewsbury market

By Farmers Weekly staff

TESCO has agreed a deal worth 15 million to take over Shrewsbury markets 10ha (25 acre) site at Harlescott from the towns borough council subject to planning approval.

Two sites for a new livestock sales centre are being considered, although some resistance has been met from local businesses.

However, councillors have expressed their intent to keep a market facility open to serve the local farming community.

Elsewhere, moves by local farmers to buy out Thame market, Oxfordshire, to save it from closure have almost been finalised.

Support group chairman Peter Bailey hopes members will agree to the proposal “as a formality” next week. If agreed, contracts could be exchanged on 2 June.

Developers are also hoping to move in on Ledbury market, Herefordshire after receiving planning permission for a hospital and care facility.

However, delay in securing the suggested 1.25m bid is allowing the mart to stay open.