TORRIDGE District Council's agreement in principle to contribute towards the costs of a Development Brief and financial appraisal for a new Holsworthy Agri­Business site and livestock market has been described as an "absolutely critical first step in securing the new market."

Torridge's Policy, Perfor­mance and Resources Committee (PPR) agreed in principle to support a contribution towards the costs of a Development Brief and financial appraisal at their meeting on Monday.

After consultation with Holsworthy Town Council, Devon County Council, Holsworthy Chamber of Trade and the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative, Special Projects Manager Vanessa Saunders delivered a presentation to members who then took the unanimous decision.

The whole ethos of the project is to continue the regeneration of Holswor­thy and the surrounding area into a leading example of a sustainable rural community. The new Agri­Business Centre would be a major economic driver for the area and could provide a new opportunity for agricultural training and development with a new Skills Centre.

Council Leader James Morrish said: "Within Torridge agriculture is our biggest employer and our largest economic driver. The importance of a successful AgriBusiness Centre to serve our rural community is vital and I congratulate the members of PPR for having the courage and vision that will assist the agricultural industry within the district for years to come."

County, District and Holsworthy Town Coun­cillor Des Shadrick said the agreement to fund a Development Brief and financial appraisal was "an absolutely critical first step in securing the new market." He added: "It's a great day for Holsworthy and I'd like to thank the town and everybody that's backed us."

A spokesman for Kivells said: "Over the past few months Kivells have been very pleased to work with the town council, chamber of trade, the district council, the county council and most importantly our community in and around Holsworthy and the parishes that Holsworthy serves to ensure that the future plans for a new livestock market are very positive for everyone."

The spokesman said that securing an AgriBusiness Centre for Holsworthy, "which will bound to have a positive knock-on effect for the town itself," was "very important" to Kivells.

He continued: "We're very aware that there has, in the past, been some early concerns about if the existing market moves it will affect business in the town but having liaised with the town council and the chamber of trade etc, we are confident plans will actually enhance and increase business in the town rather than have an adverse effect."

Partner David Kivell was "excited" about the news and although there was a long journey ahead he believed it was "a positive step in the right direction."

Kivells have been visiting newly opened livestock markets up and down the country to learn what works and what does not and will continue to do so.