Senior council members were joined by representatives of auctioneers, farmers and livestock buyers on the site of the new market at Bryngwyn near Raglan yesterday (28th August) to mark the start of the construction process.

Council Leader, Cllr Peter Fox commented: "It has been a long haul to get to this point but with no legal impediment preventing us building our new Monmouthshire livestock market we shall be making a start over the coming weeks. 

"I am confident that if you are here this time next year you will see a fully operational livestock market on this site.

"As far as the Abergavenny site is concerned there still remains the legal challenge over the planning permission granted to Morrisons and the challenge over the Welsh Ministers' decision to repeal the Abergavenny Acts.  These are due to be heard in October and I would not wish to comment ahead of that court hearing."

Livestock buyer Percy Jenkins of Euro Quality Lamb said, "This new facility will provide an outlet for the quality Welsh lamb we produce in this area so that local farmers can get the best possible price and purchasers can buy what they need".

Chairman of Abergavenny and Newport Auctioneers, Lyndon Trumper added, "After many years of discussion we are on the verge of witnessing a modern market livestock facility which is so important to the farmers of south east Wales. This will ensure the future of livestock marketing in this area and will underpin family farming in Monmouthshire."