NEWTON ABBOT livestock market must be scaled down if it is to survive.
The cattle market should hold both cattle and sheep sales while the existing sheep market should be given over to much-needed car parking in the town, Newton Abbot town councillors agreed at a full meeting on Wednesday.
In drafting a final report for Teignbridge Council's consultation on the future of the market, councillors agreed that viability of the town centre market is the main concern.
Cllr Ken Lewis, who recently met with Teignbridge Council's working party about the matter, said that the two councils had a common goal.
'Teignbridge Council has emphasised that it wants a market there, but viability is vital,' said Cllr Lewis.
Car parking at the livestock market brings in the most revenue from the activities there for the authority.
The livestock market does pull people into the town, but visitors from outside Newton Abbot are attracted by the outdoor and pannier market, said Cllr Lewis.
'Teignbridge are investigating increasing publicity for the pannier market,' he said.
Cllr Mike Hocking agreed: 'We want to keep the livestock market because it is part of the town and tradition but times are changing and perhaps we should change in how we sell the town.'
Sales of cattle and sheep could go ahead on different days a week to make best use of the space, said Cllr Henry Cole.
Cllr David Corney added: 'I'm very keen to save the livestock market but that's not to say that I do not foresee changes. What's important is that the market is viable and I hope that these changes ensure its long term viability.'
Additional car parking is 'much desired', particularly because of the new Asda development, said Cllr Reg Wills.
Of 20 responses to the town council's consultation about the market, just one said the market should go.
Cllr Lewis said that the changes 'are a way forward'.
' He added: 'Letters we have received say that people want to keep the market. I think they would be happy and Teignbridge would be happy.'