About 80 per cent of the remaining livestock markets in England and Wales could close within a decade, it was predicted today.

The main threat to markets is the pressure for land in town centres for more housing and shops.

The dominance of supermarkets which buy direct from farmers has also reduced their business.

With many markets recovering from the devastating foot-and-mouth epidemic of 2001, the result will inevitably be further closures, according to John Steele, an adviser to local authorities which own many of the market sites.

Before the Second World War, there were more than 800 livestock markets across England and Wales. By the time foot-and-mouth struck in February 2001, just 180 remained, of which approximately 156 still operate.

Mr Steele said local authorities could raise millions of pounds by selling off market sites while satisfying the Government's aim of utilising existing space within towns rather than green belt land.

He said: "It isn't unusual for prime brown field sites to go for £1 million an acre and when you consider a livestock market can be as big as seven or eight acres, that's very tempting for the council.

"I would be amazed if there were 150 markets in 10 years time. Between 20 and 30 is more realistic."

Monday March 31 2003