AN ambitious scheme has been announced to move the livestock market out of Newton Abbot and redevelop the existing town centre site with shops, offices and leisure facilities.

Discussions between the council, farmers, auctioneers and landowner Sibelco and its agent Arnold White Estates have been going on for some time. On Tuesday they went public, claiming that the plan is a win/win for the farming industry, the community and the district as a whole.

The move will free up the valuable one-and-a-half acre site in the heart of town for more shops, restaurants and possibly another cinema.

Cllr David Corney-Walker, Teignbridge Council spokesman for the economy, said: 'This is an exciting scheme which has the potential to make a huge difference to local farmers who are keen to strengthen their business and reach new customers.'

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