A NEW livestock market in Crymych has been praised by the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Alun Davies.

He opened the new livestock market in Crymych last week.

The new market replaces the old site which was owned by Crymych Market Hall Company, a community interest company, for 100 years before being bought by Pembrokeshire County Council for a new health care facility.

The council plans to build 40 care apartments, a new day care centre and a health centre on the old mart site.

The proceeds of the sale were reinvested in the new market, which will ensure continued sheep sales in Crymych and has been designed to the highest animal health and welfare, and environmental, standards.

The company lease the site to the local auctioneer, J J Morris, who manages the day-to-day running of the livestock auctions.

The deputy minister said: "It is a pleasure to officially open Crymych market and to see how the new development is helping to keep sheep sales in the area.

"This is vitally important as the sales bring people into the town on a regular basis and make a significant contribution to the local economy.

"The new market is an excellent facility which has been designed to the highest animal welfare and environmental standards which means it will be serving the agricultural community in the area for many years to come. I wish the market the very best for the future."

For more agricultural news see Farming, page 48