NEWPORT'S historic cattle market has a new home.

The 165-year-old site closed its doors in Pill for the final time last Wednesday to makeway for a new Asda store, and there were concerns this could spell the end of the market, which had nowhere to go.

Plans to temporarily house it in St Brides were dashed when Newport Council's planning committee rejected the application last week on the grounds of the high volume of traffic the market would bring through Marshfield and surrounding areas.

Now, Newport Market Auctioneers have reached an agreement with its Abergavenny counterparts which will enable them to carry on trading as normal on Wednesdays.

Mike Davies, a partner at Newport Market Auctioneers, said: "We welcome the fact we can go there and carry on our business.

“This is essential, as a market we've got stock, buyers and sellers - if we don't operate on a weekly basis, they'll go somewhere else and won't come back."

The first day's trading in the new surroundings will take place next Wednesday (11th) and continue until a replacement market can be established in Raglan, which will house both auctioneers.

Mr Davies added: "Abergavenny is the next best option to having St Brides, we're pleased we've been able to some to an agreement. It's a good solution and we're hoping we'll keep the whole thing together and run it as in Newport."

The Abergavenny market is owned by Monmouthshire Council and a planning application for the replacement market at Bryngwyn will be considered by planners in the spring.

The original plan for the Raglan site was delayed after opponents sought a judicial review.

Deputy leader at Monmouthshire Council Bob Greenland said: "It is good news for all farmers in the area that the auctioneers are coming together to continue the essential livestock auctions in the county.

"I hope it will not be too long before we see a new market for the 21st century established near Raglan."