There are fewer than 30 livestock markets left in the South West

There are now fewer than 30 livestock markets in the South West. That decline is reflected nationally, with less than 200 markets in Britain, compared to a peak at the time of the Second World War of 800.

Many livestock markets have never recovered after being temporarily closed during the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis. Some never re-opened.

The reduction is also being blamed on a general decline in agriculture and because the land in town centres, where many markets are based, is ripe for development.

Farming centres

In Devon, livestock markets at places such as South Molton and Hatherleigh used to be at the centre of the farming industry.

As well as an important outlet for sales, they were a good place for farmers to meet, but all that has changed.

Sheep sales at Hatherleigh, for example, are down by 80% on figures before foot-and-mouth.

Some markets in town centre locations, such as Barnstaple, have been closed and sold for redevelopment.

Foot and mouth had a major impact on markets

Others have had to pay thousands of pounds in renovation work because of new bio-containment rules.

In Cornwall, Helston cattle market was forced to close.

As a result, John Dark, who farms at Mullion, has to undertake a 25-mile trip to market in Truro, meaning extra expense and increased concerns about animal welfare.

He said: "We all feel rather sad that markets are gradually disappearing. They are a vital part of the farming industry."

Penzance cattle market is facing demolition this summer.

The trend has led the South West Regional Development Agency to commission a �30,000 study into the future of markets.

Rob Hatt, head of community regeneration, said: "We're seeing pressure for consolidation of existing markets.

"A lot are in valuable town centre locations. They may well hold the key to regeneration of those town centres, so there is clearly pressure for change."