GAZETTE & HERALD: CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Chippenham's livestock market may only have six months left to find a new site.

The market will have to leave its base in Cocklebury Road in April to make way for the proposed £11.6m Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office and Heritage Centre.

Plans for the centre are now being considered by North Wiltshire District Council and have already received the thumbs-up from Chippenham Town Council.

This has increased pressure on the threatened market as the only alternative site proposed for a new market is caught up in red tape. Even if it gets the go-ahead, the market would not be able to reopen immediately.

District council executive member for regeneration Christine Reid said: "Unless a new site is found soon, Wiltshire could lose its only livestock market, farmers' costs will increase and more than 1,000 animals a week will suffer long road journeys. This would be a serious blow to the beleaguered farming industry and animal welfare."

The new record office, which has itself been dogged by controversy, would lead to the loss of the market administration building and hardstanding area for cattle. Coun Reid said this would make it extremely difficult for the market to operate.

A new market has been proposed off the M4 in Stanton St Quintin. But because it is a greenfield site this would need special planning permission.

Coun Reid said: "To make the venture financially viable, the site may also need a vets' practice and perhaps agricultural machinery sales. We're doing all we can, but even if all goes smoothly, the market will have to close for at least a year while the site is cleared.