A TRADITIONAL livestock market is faced with closure after council officials agreed to sell the land to supermarket bosses - despite the fact a Tesco superstore stands less than 420 feet away.

The Shaftesbury Cattle Market could end as a result of the sale of land to an unnamed chain.

Southern Counties Auctioneers have leased the site off Christy's Lane from North Dorset District Council since 1967. The company also runs another, busier market in Salisbury.

Iain Soutar, who helps organise the markets, said: "It will presumably close in the not too distant future.

"We've advertised this information to our clients over a long period of time, so people are aware of the possibility."

North Dorset council officials say the cattle market has seen a decline in recent years. Councillors agreed to the proposal after a competitive process which attracted a number of bids for the site.

The sale will provide the town with its second supermarket. Drivers can travel from the market site to the Tesco in less than a minute.

Representatives from both the council and the auctioneers jointly marketed the land. The council has agreed to share the proceeds of the sale with the company in exchange for an early exit from the lease.

Councillor Michael Roake, brief holder for environment at the council, said: “We believe this is a positive result for Shaftesbury. It gives people a much-needed choice of supermarkets within the town instead of the need to travel to other areas.

“We received a number of strong bids for the site, which shows the appeal of the town and this prime location.

“Our thanks go out to Southern Counties Auctioneers who have maintained the site for more than 60 years and have been a major contributor to the North Dorset economy.”

Further negotiations will now take place to complete the sale.

The market hosts dairy cattle sales periodically, as well as weekly calf and beef store sales.

An Aberdeen Angus show and sale takes place each April.