THE firms chosen to construct Herefordshire’s new multi-million pound livestock market have been announced.

Herefordshire Council promised that local firms would be given the chance to build the 48-acre site on Roman Road, which it believes will safeguard the county’s farming heritage.

Leominster firm Frank H Dale will manufacture and fit the steelwork structure, while Collins Design and Build, of Pontrilas, will take care of the roofing and cladding.

Both were chosen by contractor Willmott Dixon Construction.

“Having watched the build-up to the construction of the livestock market over the years, we have been eager to get involved and having erected agricultural buildings in the county for more than 40 years, we are delighted as a local company to be playing a key part in the completion of this important programme,” said Phil Collins, of Collins Design.

Frank H Dale, meanwhile, said it was “particularly satisfying” to have been chosen.

The two contracts are worth close to £1 million, with the possibility of more local firms benefiting in the near future.

“Councillors were very keen that Willmott Dixon made every effort to ensure that local firms would benefit,” said Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council.

“The council organised an open day for local contractors and we received strong interest, so I am delighted that two important local companies are helping us build the covered market.”

After 10 years of consultation, the new site was finally given the go-ahead last year.

Once complete, it will house a sheep and cattle ring, more than 300 car and trailer spaces and nine lorry wash stations.

There will be offices, a cafe, welfare areas and toilets.