PLANS to move a popular auction mart which is used by hundreds of farmers every year have met with opposition.

L&K Group wants to move Kendal Auction Mart from Appleby Road to a more rural location because they say there are problems with access for farmers and their livestock.

The new site is planned for land near Woodhouse Lane, at Deepthwaite, Milnthorpe, close to the Westmorland County Showfield at Crooklands.

Members of SLOG (South Lakelanders Opposed to Gateway), who successfully opposed the controversial Gateway project for the same area, which was withdrawn earlier this year, have re-formed to fight the new proposals.

In their application, L & K Group states: “While the site (Appleby Road) would have been ideal when first built, when the farmer’s wife came into town with him to carry out the weekly shop while her husband was dealing in stock, times have changed.

“Today’s farmer needs to get to and from the mart after carrying out his sale or purchase of stock as quickly as possible to get back to the farm, which he is usually running without the benefit of farm hands, as in yesteryear.

"Customers are therefore being delayed and inconvenienced by the location.”

The group says the mart is unsuitable for trailers and articulated vehicles which causes traffic problems.

The statement adds: “This inevitable stop-start trip is not good practice for travelling livestock where, in animal welfare terms, they are better having a smooth journey with good ventilation throughout.”

But at the proposed site, SLOG is concerned about traffic problems, loss of views, and a possible adverse effect on the environment including nearby Stainton Beck, a haven for wildlife, such as otters and crayfish.

Group member John Dootson said: “We are not against agriculture or farmers.

"We are just about trying to stop this site being developed.”

Druscilla Pickthall said: “The mart says it will only operate 106 days of the year, and that’s fair enough.

"But that is a disingenuous approach in the traffic report provided because it assumes this business will never grow. This seems to defy common sense.”

The plan is out for consultation and is due to be discussed by South Lakeland District Council later this month.

A public meeting at Crooklands Hotel, held by SLOG, attracted more than 100 residents.