Louth market looking to the future after council votes to save it

Auctioneer Russell Jeans said there had been a black cloud hanging over the marts future for years, but he was hoping there could now be a positive impact.

“There are already vendors coming back to Louth, the whole process has brought us to the forefront,” he said.

“We have had new purchasers turning up, had people bringing cattle.

Sustainable

“People are now saying it is time to get behind the market and make it more sustainable.”

Mr Jeans said having a market in the town was vital, as the last market in Lincolnshire, with good throughputs and demand as well as a long history.

He added farms seemed to becoming more insular, with less labour requirements, which meant markets were more important than ever.

“It is good to get off the farm, there is the social aspect. Lincolnshire Rural Support come to the mart to help farmers with stressful situations,” he said.

The team will now be working with the council to make more use of the site on a regular basis and create a community hub.

Support

He also thanked the community and said the amount of support the market had received had been ‘eye opening’.

East Lindsey District Council said: “Over the coming months we will be working up our plans for refurbishment in discussion with the Louth Market Auctioneers.

“We will also be looking to discuss use of the facility and the wider site with the Auctioneers to understand what opportunities there are to put the site to use on a more regular basis for the benefit of Louth and the wider district.”