Morpeth has always been described as a market town, and rightly so, as it used to be the second biggest livestock market in England after Smithfield.

However, over the years, all three markets have closed. It is now 25 years since the last market finished trading at Stobhill, next to the station. None of the sites of those markets have any sign or plaque to show where they were or how important they were to the town and surrounding area.

Over the last ten years, I have tried to interest the Council in making some recognition of the markets, without success. When Dransfield Properties gained the contract to develop the arcade area, I wrote to the company asking if it would consider such a proposal and was delighted that it agreed to consider it, saying it was a fantastic idea, and now it intends to put up the bull sculpture.

As a matter of historic interest, before any formal market building was created, animals were sold in Bridge Street next to the Clock Tower, by private treaty. In 1841, almost 21,000 cattle, 150,000 sheep and 12,000 pigs and calves were sold in this way.

Around 1900 the Council built a market for livestock sales on the site of the current swimming pool with pens in the area that is now a car park. This was called New Market. In the mid 20th century the third location, next to the railway station, was developed. This was called Wansbeck Market and was built and owned by the Wansbeck Farmers. It closed in 1982 and the site, next to Stobhill Villas, was developed for housing.

Morpeth has a great history of livestock markets and the title of market town was well earned.

However, spending millions of pounds redeveloping a town centre and putting up a statue of an Aberdeen Angus bull over the entrance for good luck, does not guarantee future success.

All successful towns have ample car parking space — something Morpeth has been short of for 20 years.

Ten years ago I wrote to this newspaper criticising the lack of car parking and suggesting a multi-storey car park over the existing one immediately behind St James' Church.

None of my suggestions was carried out, but the multi-storey car park should still be an option. Yes, it might be costly, but I feel some people would be willing to pay a little extra to have convenient parking. It is not an option to have parking half a mile from the town centre. There is not even a suitable space for day trip buses which could bring great success to the shops after visitors have walked through our town's lovely gardens.

I wish the new scheme great success and I am happy that finally some recognition is to be made reflecting the importance of livestock markets to Morpeth.

GEORGE STRACHAN
Morpeth