'Kiss of death' for market (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

'Kiss of death' for market

A DELAY in deciding whether Cirencester's cattle market can move to a new location may spell the end of the facility.

That is the verdict of Lord Apsley, who says Cotswold District Council's indecision over a proposed move to Fosse Farm at Driffield, could prove costly.

Market managers want to relocate the existing facility as part of a multi-purpose agricultural complex with Countrywide Farmers.

The plans sparked controversy among some local villagers, who fear the development will create traffic problems.

An 11th-hour bid was lodged recently to have the facility moved to an alternative site nearby.

But market manager Voyce Pullin is adamant that Fosse Farm is the ideal location and Lord Apsley fears the latest delay could affect its future.

The aristocrat, who is a farmer himself and heir to the Cirencester Park estate, said: "The council may not have realised the full implications of what they have done.

"The issue will not come up again now until late November. You're then moving into Christmas and New Year and nothing gets done until January.

"It could well mean they are, in effect, closing the doors on the cattle market in the Cirencester area, if not the Cotswolds area in general."

Cattle market manager Voyce Pullin has been looking for an alternative site since the council announced plans to build a new leisure centre on the existing plot, off Old Tetbury Road.

The council received 223 letters in support of the Fosse Farm scheme, as well as a 34-signature petition.

But, villagers fear visitors to the new site will turn local lanes into rat runs. Driffield and Harnhill Parish Council, Down Ampney Parish Council and other local groups all objected to the proposals. A further 22 letters have also been received in opposition to the plans.

An alternative application to site the facility at Ermin Farm, off the A419 near Preston, was submitted recently, by businessman John Rawlinson, following discussions with objectors.

But it was the Fosse Farm application that was considered last week and Lord Apsley believes the council should be doing all it can to help safeguard the future of the market.

Voyce Pullin partner Chris Voyce said he hoped permission would be given at the next opportunity.

He said: "Every delay is more pressure in getting the new one built. I don't think the council appreciates that if the current one does close or you haven't got the new one built in time, it's not the sort of business you can stop and then start again. If you stop it, it's the kiss of death."