LISKEARD Market is set to close at the end of December, after the Christmas poultry sale on the 19th.

“The closure brings to an end, a long and happy chapter of livestock marketing in Liskeard town centre which Kivells, and earlier Vosper & Kivell, have been proud to be a part of,” said director Kevin Hicks.

However, the firm said it is ‘firmly committed’ to the continuing supply of livestock marketing services in the Liskeard area, and is working closely with Cornwall Council on a new agri-business hub to serve East Cornwall.

Mr Hicks said: “This will be similar to Holsworthy on a new site with improved accessibility and services for our customers. We have identified a suitable site to service East Cornwall on the A30 dual carriageway spine road for the county and are working with stakeholders to bring this to fruition.

“Cornwall Council is working on some exciting plans for the redevelopment of the Liskeard Cattle Market site. We hope to be part of the future of the site, with an auction facility for handling poultry, furniture and specialist sales, thereby keeping the auction heritage of the site alive.”

Cornwall Council said the end of Kivells’ tenancy of Liskeard Cattle Market ‘opens up the possibility of regenerating a key area in the heart of Liskeard.’

The council said: “There is strong local support for redeveloping the Liskeard Cattle Market site, with 87% of residents, businesses and local organisations taking part in a public consultation last year agreeing that regenerating the site would be good for the town’s economy.”

Bob Egerton, Cornwall Council cabinet member for planning and economy, said: “We want our town centres to be a part of driving a stronger economy for Cornwall with a good range of businesses and jobs. Redeveloping key council-owned sites when they become available is one way we can help to meet Cornwall’s current and future needs.”

Sally Hawken, chair of the Liskeard Cattle Market Working Group and Cornwall Councillor for Liskeard East, said: “We’re keen to make the most of this key site in line with the aspirations of local residents. We’re currently in discussion with partners about an appropriate and affordable mix of uses. We’re also exploring opportunities for funding from a variety of sources to support what we hope will be a substantial regeneration project for Liskeard.”

Christina Whitty, mayor of Liskeard, said: “This is a huge opportunity for Liskeard to create a vibrant new area, enhancing our independent shops and historical buildings and ensuring the viability of the town centre.”

James Shrubsole, chair of Liskeard Neighbourhood Plan, said: “We know from our Neighbourhood Plan consultations that the Cattle Market site is very important to local people, and we welcome positive action to take the site forward.”