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FUW president Glyn Roberts views the plans for the livestock market refurbishment with local farmers.[/caption]
Farmers’ Union of Wales president Glyn Roberts attended Cowbridge Livestock Market on Tuesday November 24, with members of the Vale Market Community Enterprise Group (VMCE) to display the plans for the livestock market refurbishment and development of the surrounding area to local farmers.
Glyn Roberts took the opportunity to discuss the proposed plans with members of the VMCE, FUW members, local farmers as well as the market auctioneers. The union has long been in support of the mart recognising that the closure of Cowbridge mart would remove a vital lifeline from the town and also make it necessary for farmers to travel far greater distances to sell their stock.
In 2013 the union contributed to a feasibility study in a bid to convince the Vale Council that it was profitable and vital to keep the mart open.
“Refurbishing this livestock market is a very exciting prospect. It’s not just an important vehicle to establish the SQQ (Standard Quality Quotation) of lambs to calculate dead weight price but the integration of local people who want to sustain the old tradition of a livestock market here in Glamorgan is well worth supporting. I am very pleased to see that agricultural industry and the local community want to market their products and work together for the good of the community,” said Glyn Roberts.
VMCE unveiled their proposals in the summer to encourage members of the public to support the renovation plans by purchasing Community Bonds.
All funds raised by the Community Bonds will be used directly towards building the market hall known as ‘The Exchange’ (www.theexchangecowbridge.uk) which will be used for a wide variety of purposes including a café and community shops.
After experiencing overwhelming interest in the Community Bonds both during and after the Vale Show, the VMCE have expressed their delight at the fact that only a limited number of Community Bonds remain available for purchase. Other fund raising opportunities will be announced in due course.
“The proposed scheme will produce many benefits to the market site as a whole, including the addition of much needed car parking facilities within the town centre, which will also provide the historical benefit of exposing the Cowbridge town wall which was built in the 13th century,” said FUW Glamorgan county executive officer Rachel Saunders.
While the VMCE continue to negotiate with the Vale Council about a definite start date for the proposed works, members of the VMCE hope that the work can commence on the site by 2017.
If any member of the public is interested in participating in the Community Bond scheme or wish to be registered on the database to receive updates, please contact Mandy Davies 01656 674001 email: