HUGE interest was centred around Liskeard Cattle Market yesterday as it became the first in the South West to begin trading again after the foot and mouth crisis led to its closure exactly a year ago.
Hundreds poured into the area, including farmers, hauliers and many spectators, delighted to see activity returned once more to South East Cornwall's only remaining market town.
However, new government regulations mean that the market now has to run on a different format, and anyone entering the market zone, which was ringed fenced, had to go through a disinfectant procedure and leave their name and address. Livestock vehicles were also disinfected.
There has been much suffering during the crisis within the farming community and associated trades over the last 12 months and it was significant that the Agricultural Chaplain for Cornwall, Rev Roger Greene, (Coads Green) was present to lead in prayer and bless the market before proceedings again.
Peter Hooper of market operators Kivells said their phone lines had been 'hot' since it was announced last week they were licensed to start trading again, and said great credit was due to market staff to bring it about.
'We are very busy which is encouraging at the outset' said Mr Hooper, 'and a lot of people have travelled long distances today to assess the level of trade'.
Progress
Liskeard mayor Tony Powell said that it was a wonderful day for the whole of Cornwall and especially Liskeard.
'Progress to establish a new market lease is now well underway and it is shortly hoped that plans for the redevelopment of the eastern end of the cattle market can be announced' he said.
'This will include a farmers market and retail area to complement the market itself and the town centre'.
A farmer of 60 years, Mr Edward Davis of St Pinnock, had brought in three store steers for auction and was delighted at the market's return.
'Without the market it's difficult to gauge the value of your cattle' he said. 'I've been using Liskeard Market for the last 14 years and this crisis has been the longest day off I've ever had'.
Haulier and farmer Keith Vincent from Grampound, was one of many who just came along to 'have a look'.
'I'm glad for the market but for many people it's unfortunately already too late' he said. 'With no business and now all the disinfectant regulations on top, it is even harder for the smaller hauliers as it makes operations even more expensive'.
The main ring was packed out for the first auction of the day, conducted by market manager Peter Palmer, and honour of first animal sold went to Mr Gordon Symons of Christor, Upton Cross, for a Belgian Blue Steer.
The auctioneers were pleased with numbers and the prices for the initial auction, with 160 store and fat cattle, 300 fat sheep, six dairy cows and a good number of calves going through.
Top prices paid were £588 for store cattle owned by Mrs B S Distin (Saltash), £432 for store heifers, on behalf of S J Maddever and Son (Landrake), £48.50 for 12 month old hoggets (A J Wills, Widegates), and av. per live kilo was 105.8p for fat sheep. Top calf price was £185 for P J Maddever (Antony).
Kivells partner John Wakeham said everyone was exceptionally pleased at how well the first market had gone.
'Prices came through well with store cattle on par with prices at the same level this time last year' he said.
'A lot of farmers went home feeling much happier than they have been for a long time, as they now know their livestock is not worthless and even worth more than they thought'.