Melton Livestock Market: 'Unfit' facilities to get £5.5m revamp

Image caption Facilities at the market on the edge of Melton Mowbray are in "poor condition"

Plans have been revealed for a £5.5m expansion of a Leicestershire cattle market that has been criticised as "not fit for purpose".

The project at Melton Mowbray livestock market will include new cow sheds and more parking on the existing site.

Melton Borough Council said the project will "safeguard the market on the current site for 20 years".

A council spokesman said the current facilities "do not meet the standards of animal welfare".

Melton Borough Councilor Joe Orson said: "We are currently looking into opportunities for environmental initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels, which will help to reduce running costs."

The project will be funded with a £3.5m government grant and £2m from the local council.

A full planning application for the project will be submitted in the next few weeks.

Image copyright Melton Borough Council

Image caption The plans include a bigger cattle building, new visitor parking area and better access to the site