Yorks market forced to close
4 February 2000
Yorks market forced to close
A FALL in stock values and commission paid to livestock auctions has been blamed for the closure of Otleys Bridge End market, Yorks.
Company chairman, Bill Cowling – a dairy farmer from Huby, near Harrogate – said: "Increasing costs and falling returns have made the operation no longer viable. We will continue with other activities such as quota trading.
"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 are very uncomfortable with the prospect of further changes in local markets with movement of key staff fuelling speculation. Jeremy Eaton, general manager of Craven Cattle Markets, Skipton, quashed speculation that it 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. *