Questions over livestock market’s future
QUESTIONS have been raised over the future of Carmarthen’s livestock market which has not traded for several weeks.
The last advertised sale at the livestock centre at Nantyci was at the start of July.
The market is operated by Bob Jones, Prytherch and Co Marts Ltd (BJP Marts) and the land rented from Carmarthenshire Council.
The lease between BJP and Carmarthenshire Council was expected to be renegotiated earlier this year, but it has not been, the council confirms.
It is understood the lease expired over the summer, leaving many farmers in the dark over the market’s future.
Carmarthenshire Council executive board member for resources councillor David Jenkins said: “We can only confirm that the lease has not been renewed with BJP and have no further comment to make.”
Ffynnonddrain dairy farmer and former FUW vice-president Brian Walters said: “There’s very little information coming from BJP.
“That livestock centre is the best in west Wales and opened in 2001 after the foot and mouth outbreak.
“To see it sitting empty now is not good at all.
“My concern is seeing so many dairy farmers going to markets in Hereford, Devon and Shropshire now.
“Locally, Whitland and Newcastle Emlyn markets are very busy since the Carmarthen one has not been holding sales.”
Jonathan Morgan, company director of BJP, was contacted for comment by the Journal about the market’s long-term future but had not responded at the time of going to press.
NFU declined to comment on the market but the FUW said farmers needed clarity urgently over the market site.
A spokesperson said: “We have not had any official clarification from the council or the auctioneers (BJP) with regards to the future and current situation of the mart.
“We are aware of farmers who are having problems in their dealings with the mart and are trying to assist members as best as we can.
“The honourable thing for the auctioneers to do is to provide clarity as a matter of urgency.”
Local county councillors, Carmarthen Mayor Gareth John and Alun Lenny, say that they have been very concerned about the mart for some time.
“For whatever reason, it’s been clear that Carmarthen mart’s long standing status as the region’s premier livestock market has been under threat,” said Mr John.
“It is sad to witness the ever decreasing number of customers utilising what we believe remains a first class facility.”