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Cattle market could create 300 jobs

PLANS to create a £17 Million cattle market in the region will reportedly bring up to 300 jobs.

Darlington Farmers’ Auction Mart Company wants to build a 50 hectare (123.5 acre) complex, near Burtree, on the outskirts of the town.

Darlington Council has welcomed the plan, which would see the town’s existing cattle market move from its Clifton Road site.

The new complex, which would be one of the UK’s largest cattle markets, would feature a business park for agriculture-related companies and a biogas plant.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Council, told the BBC: “The new premises will not only offer state of the art facilities for the auction of livestock, but will also create a centre of excellence for the agricultural and equine industry.

“It is hugely important with the potential to bring about new jobs and enterprise.”

Steven Aitken, Director at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart Company Limited, said: “If the bid is successful it will final part of the jigsaw in getting a new agricultural centre under way.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .