.png)
MPs split over market move
An application 'to enable the relocation of Hereford Market outside the current city boundaries' is being made to Parliament by the County of Herefordshire District Council.
The Bill should be heard in the current session of Parliament and any objections may be made by depositing a petition against it by late January or early February depending on whether the Bill is heard in the House of Commons or Lords.
The two county MPs appear to have differing views about the Bill.
According to the Hereford Times, Leominster MP Bill Wiggin says he will oppose the move whilst Hereford MP Paul Keetch will sponsor the Bill which will allow the market to be sited outside Hereford.
Mr Wiggin suggests that the council want to sell off 'the inherited assets of the county' as they are desperate for money.
Terry James, council leader, has referred to Mr Wiggin's remarks as rubbish.
Paul Keetch says that the move of the market would allow improved facilities to come to Hereford as well as saving the Hereford United ground.
The debate as to whether Hereford even needs a new livestock market is ongoing. Since foot and mouth, use has decreased and the auctioneers are believed to be losing money.
Part of the market has been dismantled and is to be sold at auction next Wednesday.
Former director of Hereford Market Auctioneers, Terry Court, told HU-FC.co.uk that he did not expect a new market to be viable.