MOVES are currently being made to re-open Liskeard Market in some form, following its closure in February due to the foot and mouth crisis.

Kivells, the auctioneers, have applied for the market to become a collection centre, along with other markets in the region, such as Holsworthy and Bideford.

Peter Hooper, a partner in Kivells, said if the application was allowed this would mean that farmers in Liskeard and the surrounding area would be able to take cattle, intended for slaughter, to the market. They would then be transported from there to abattoirs.

This would prevent movements of trucks, carrying smaller numbers of animals, to slaughterhouses. Mr Hooper said the movement situation would then become easier for farmers.

Kivells are presently carrying out private sales of cattle, where they can, from farm to farm.

This involves going out to farms and videoing any stock which is for sale.

Prospective buyers are then able to watch the resulting videos and make a decision on what animals they wish to buy, without having to leave their farm.

Mr Hooper said the auctioneers are now awaiting a decision on their collection point application.