Since 1551, a livestock market has been at the heart of Louth. Today, Louth Cattle Market is the only livestock auction house of its type left in the county and is used by farmers and smallholders from across Lincolnshire.
During the public consultation mounted by East Lindsey District Council, many constituents have contacted me - sometimes stopping me in the street - to emphasise the importance of retaining the cattle market and the impact that any such closure could have on the local farming industry and the wider rural community.
Farming, the rural economy and the countryside are priorities for me and I always speak up for our rural way of life.
It is my hope that at the meeting on 27 September, the Executive Board of East Lindsey District Council will find a way to retain the Cattle Market on the existing site whilst making the best use of the available space for the benefit of the wider community.