MR MEREDITH inquires why the council is not following Staffordshire's example in obtaining funding for an agricultural advisor.

There is already a wealth of advice available to farmers from statutory bodies and farming unions and short term appointments such as those advised by Mr Meredith rarely provide long term value.

The site of 48 acres for the new market will provide car parking, landscaping, possible sites for rural businesses and, it is hoped, a flood relief balancing pond for the Yazor brook.

COUNCILLOR JC MAYSON, Cabinet member (Rural Regeneration and Strategy).