MP joins fight to save Sedbergh Auction Mart

9.04.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 21st Apr 2006

Local MP Tim Farron has had an encouraging initial conversation with Rural Regeneration Cumbria regarding possible sources of funding to help farmers if they decide to take on the running of Sedbergh Auction Mart as a co-operative.

Tim has also contacted the leader of the British Liberal Democrat MEPs, Chris Davies, to ask whether European funding can be found to help keep the Mart open. Tim will meet with Chris Davies this evening and will take the opportunity to continue the conversation.

Many constituents have contacted Tim concerned about the future of the Sedbergh Mart. Tim will be visiting the Mart tomorrow (Saturday), its last day of sale, to meet with farmers and discuss with them ways of keeping the Mart open and whether they think this will be a viable option.

Tim commented: "I hope that the farmers can find a way of keeping Sedbergh Mart open and I am keen to offer as much help and support as possible. I shall be exploring all avenues to help find possible sources of funding so that if the farmers decide that they would be able to operate the Mart as a co-operative, they would have the monetary back-up to do so. I am looking forward to speaking again with farmers at tomorrows Mart".