Campaigners have been breaking open the bubbly to toast the saving of a historic livestock market from the developers.
This follows news that the Hailsham Market operator, South East Marts, has purchased the freehold of the three-acre market site, ending 15 years of uncertainty about the future, which since 1997 has been the target of two plans by retailers to build supermarkets on it.
However, determined campaigning by the Hailsham Market Action Group against the planned developments has resulted in the livestock market’s future being safeguarded. The group comprises the NFU, farmers, market users and supporters, aided by Wealden District councillor David White.
It also marks the continuation of a Hailsham’s centuries-old link with livestock. Cattle markets have been held in the town since 1252. The right to hold livestock markets in the town was granted to a statutory company, The Hailsham Cattle Market Company Ltd, by an Act of Parliament in 1871.
“The dogged determination of all those campaigning to save Hailsham Market has really paid off,” said HMAG chair Phil Hook, an organic dairy farmer and NFU member from Hailsham.
“People have been so supportive – farmers pledged more than £400,000 for the campaign to save Hailsham Market and we won the backing of MPs, peers and all tiers of local government,” said Mr White.
East Sussex NFU chair Gillian van der Meer, whose dairy farming family uses Hailsham Market, said: “Livestock farming really does matter to this part of the South East and Hailsham Market is part of its vital infrastructure.
“Once lost, infrastructure is almost impossible to replace. The NFU was determined not to lose Hailsham Market, which is one of only two livestock markets in the region.”
South East Marts director Roger Waters, who was among those fighting for the Hailsham Market’s future, was delighted the market was on a firm footing with its operator also owning the site.
Pictured celebrating Hailsham Market’s future being safeguarded are, from left: Barclays agricultural manager David Pilling with (holding glasses) Roger Waters, Gillian van der Meer, Phil Hook and David White.
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