Farron uses Parliamentary debate to back farmers' buy-out of Sedbergh Auction Mart

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Jul 2006

MP Tim Farron used a debate in the House of Commons this afternoon to back Sedbergh farmers who are seeking to buy-out Sedbergh Auction Mart which is currently for sale on the open market after the parent company, CCM, closed the gates in April.

Tim gave his backing to the planned farmers' buy out and backed calls for Government to intervene to prevent the practice of 'land banking' where land is purchased for the purpose of leaving it unused and derelict until the point that the local authority gives in to pressure to change designated planning use.

Tim said, "Sedbergh Auction Mart must not fall prey to landbankers, we must do all we can to keep the Mart in agricultural hands, and to support local farmers. It would be a dreadful step if the site were sold to the highest bidder even if that bid was for something other than agricultural purposes and so I was pleased to have the chance to support Sedbergh farmers on this matter in the House of Commons today."