Farmers can look forward to a state-of-the-art livestock market, suitable and compliant with 21st century marketing by the end of the year.

The operators, Abergavenny and Newport Market Auctioneers Ltd, (ANMAL) have leased the ground at Bryngwyn from Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) for a 20 year period and hope to maintain and build on the present momentum of Abergavenny market, which is due to close once the new market site is operational.

As well as statutory facilities such as a water treatment plant and a lorry and wheel wash, the site aims to use as many sustainable features as possible, with solar panels and rainwater harvesting facilities. LPG gas will fuel the on-site boilers, and farmers and dealers concerned about the current 'phone signal in the area will be re-assured that wi-fi will be available to boost the signal.

The only decision yet to make is the date the new market will operate on although it is hoped that the traditional market day structure can be maintained with sales on site two days a week with additional seasonal and specialist sales as well.

Bob Greenland of MCC said: "It is very encouraging to see the livestock market taking shape. Since before the closure of the market in Monmouth some years ago the Council has promised the farming community a new market fit for the 21st. century. We have also given them assurances that we would not leave them for any time without a market within the county.

"We are indebted to Steve Greenslade, the officer responsible for delivery of the scheme, who sadly has not lived long enough to see the project completed, but I am pleased to be honouring the Council's commitment. The market is on target to open before the end of the year after which the Abergavenny market site will be handed over to Morrisons."