Farmers are lobbying MPs to save a livestock market.

The market in Hailsham is under threat from a proposed Aldi supermarket and housing development.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is campaigning with Hailsham farmer Phil Hook, chairman of Hailsham Market Action Group, for its future.

The NFU has written to Wealden MP Charles Hendry and the two organisations are to lobby other Sussex MPs.

James Mulleneux, the NFU's food and farming adviser, said: "The only other livestock markets serving the South-East are at Ashford in Kent and Thame in Oxfordshire. It would be impractical for Sussex farmers to be forced to use these. We are therefore lobbying MPs to see what legal recourse we may have to prevent the closure of Hailsham market."

The union said MPs would be made aware the market played a vital role in serving smaller livestock farmers in Sussex, who managed "fragile landscapes within the county from Pevensey Levels to the High Weald and the South Downs".

East Sussex NFU members have also been lodging objections to the Aldi proposal with Wealden District Council.

The planning department has received an application from an agent acting for Aldi for a store, 18 two-bedroom flats, two studios and a "rationalised cattle market".

The union claims the phrasing of the application suggests a smaller site for street markets or farmers' markets rather than livestock markets.

The planning committee is expected to consider the application on November 11 or December 9.

Hailsham Town Council will hold an open meeting about the proposal on Monday.