WE are greatly disappointed to hear that the application for the proposed cattle market has been turned down by North Wiltshire District Council.

It is the council who are selling the land where the current market resides at, no doubt, a great profit.

The Chippenham Livestock Market is an essential element in the marketing infrastructure, which farming in this region needs if it is to make its full contribution to the regional economy.

Chippenham is now one of the core markets and draws stock from a wide catchment area using the existing motorway infrastructure.

Chippenham still achieves one of the highest throughput of finished cattle in the region.

The proposed new market has all the ingredients for success and would be an asset to livestock farming and the rural economy.

PAUL IMBER

National Farmers' Union

Langley Burrell

Chippenham