CARADON council support for Liskeard cattle market has been assured until 2003 - but it may have to become a one day a week market, rather than operating on its current two days a week basis.

In a bid to halt the market's decline, and attract more people to the it, suggestions include the introduction of stalls, and the sale of produce, as well as re-development to take in an auction ring and removable pens.

The prospect of cutting the market back to one day followed on from members of Caradon's policy and resources committee looking at three sets of minutes from a working party. These included a report of a visit to the market to look at current operations and discover where changes could be made which would lead to economic benefits. Involved in this were representatives from Kivells auctioneers who are lessees of the market, as well as NFU representative Chris Collins, and John Goldsworthy of Liskeard town council.

A visit was also made to West Devon Meats' depot at Hatherleigh, and Caradon has received a report of the finances and operations of Tavistock market over the last five years.

The committee accepted recommendations that the market must be supported in its present form until the present lease expires in 2003, but immediate consideration should be given to reducing operations to a one day a week rather than the current two day sessions. The council recognised that the livestock market is in decline and a need exists to provide other activities to attract locals and visitors to the site. This will include some changes to facilities to allow for a regular produce and stall market.

Another initiative is the consideration, over time, of large scale site re-development, including a new 'umbrella' building with auction ring and removable penning equipment, this to incorporate earlier changes that might be agreed in introducing the produce and stall market. In conjunction with the auctioneers a full survey is to also be undertaken regarding redundant areas of the site which could be used for other purposes.

Working party chairman, Hugh Francis, said the working party could now be wound up pending the outcome of the May 6 elections. He stressed the council should not 'panic' over the future of the market as it currently has a reasonable current rate of return on its capital - taking into account the value of the site and income generated. The possible effect of Option 1 funding is also a factor and the working party was fully aware of the market's value to Liskeard in 'spin off' terms to business and retail outlets. Its value as a social benefit was also highlighted, while accepting there is a current downturn of trade.

The working party accepted that the market has been affected by direct selling from producers to the supermarket trade, the BSE problem and wider impacts of EU policy. John Sheer of St Cleer said he was against any idea of moving the market to the outskirts of town.

The committee unanimously agreed working party recommendations.