IT had been silent for more than a year, but activity returned to a Gwent livestock market yesterday.

However, there was disappointment at the turnout at the first livestock sale at Monmouth market more than a year after foot-and-mouth forced it to close.

Auctioneer Steve Williams, of Newland Rennie Wilkins, in Monmouth, said: "On a very cold wet morning the number of stock forward was a little disappointing, although it should be remembered that historically this time of the year when sheep throughput is near its lowest level."

Pouring rain and the strict bio-security measures may have been behind the lack of interest in the sheep.

The public were allowed in providing they were suitably dressed in wet-weather gear and sprayed with a disinfectant.

Monmouth auctioneers Newland Rennie Wilkins have teamed up with Abergavenny Market Auctioneers Ltd to run the two markets at Monmouth and Abergavenny on a joint basis.

Brian Pugh,of Fforest Coal Pit, who disinfects the vehicles before they enter the market, said he was disappointed by the low turnout.

"It was raining quite badly and only about five vehicles arrived this morning."

Farmer Glyn Williams, who runs Tump Farm, near Usk, described the movement restrictions as a "bureaucratic nightmare".

He only sold 18 of 68 sheep that he took to the market.

Mr Williams said: "I only sold a percentage of my sheep and now cannot move them for 20 days due to red tape. It's just not good."

The first cattle sale in Monmouth has been arranged for April 12.

In contrast, Abergavenny, the first livestock market earlier this month, was a huge success.

The sale was conducted by the consortium of Abergavenny auctioneers which will be holding store cattle sales on the first and third Fridays of the month.

Auctioneer John Games, of Montague Harris, said: "The first sale proved to be a great success with a substantial entry of good-quality store cattle.

"The trade exceeded expectations with prices far higher than anticipated. Many buyers were present and there proved to be serious competition between local purchasers and the buyers from the north of England."

The second sale was held last Friday. Devauden farmer David Maddocks said it was good to see Abergavenny market open for business again.

"It was good to see the auctioneers and there was a good show of buyers and cattle, especially from Yorkshire and the Midlands.

"The restrictions are making it difficult for the market to operate, but it went well."