FARMERS have begun raising funds for a new cattle market in Hailsham.
Up to £200,000 of a £1.5million target is being held in a National Farmers Union bank account.
Other community members are also helping to raise funds.
The money, to be match-funded, will be used if a new cattle market is built near the A22 Dip
locks roundabout, Hailsham.
Aldi superstores is appealing after it was refused permission to build a store on the present historic market site in Market Street.
Last month farmers voted to approach Aldi with a suggestion.
This was to support the cattle market application in Market Street.
In return Aldi would make a related application for the Diplocks site in the superstore chain's own name.
Phil Hook, chairman of Hailsham Market Action Group, did not detect positive vibes from Aldi about the idea.
He said: 'Aldi is going to have to think about it.
'They are not very keen as it means them waiting three years before they start working.
'They have still got to see how the appeal turns out.'
In January the market action group took out a two-year option on the Diplocks site.
This was to buy the 10-acre site at an agreed fixed price.
If it is built, the new cattle market would boast a number of new facilities.
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