Leicestershire Quality Meats Ltd is set to receive a Rural
Development Programme for England (RDPE) grant towards the costs of
building a £2m multi-species abattoir in the Six Hills area
near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. The funding has been awarded
by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) which manages the RDPE
on behalf of the region.
Construction work is due to start imminently on a range of
buildings, which will house a processing plant and refrigeration
and storage facilities. The development will also accommodate
suitably sized animal holding areas to ensure the health and
wellbeing of the livestock. Building work is scheduled for
completion in May 2011.
The new abattoir will bring real benefits to farmers in and
around Leicestershire, many of whom are concerned about the
distance they currently travel and the stress this puts their
animals under to transport them to alternative facilities.
Speaking about the project, Mike Winterton, Director at
Leicestershire Quality Meats Ltd, said: "Our research highlighted
that there was a real need for a facility of this kind in the area.
The Six Hills abattoir will fill that gap by providing a
comprehensive range of services that farmers need on their
doorstep. This will save them money on fuel and reduce the impact
of transportation on the animals.
"We're pleased that emda has recognised the importance of this
project, and we are confident it will stimulate farmers and others
in the area to launch new processing and marketing initiatives,
helping to increase points of sale and access to local
produce."
Over recent years, Melton Mowbray has built on its reputation as
the 'Rural Capital of Food,' with its rich heritage based on now
world-famous products such as stilton cheese and pork pies. The
town continues to see a demand for food that is produced and
processed locally.
As Andrew Morgan, emda's Skills and Communities Director,
explained: "Manufacturing accounts for a relatively large share of
the East Midlands economy, and the region has particular strengths
in the food and drink sub-sectors. This is why we have invested in
the Six Hills project, which will support the local food sector,
allowing more farmers better access to a high quality and efficient
facility which places animal welfare at the heart of its
operations."
Six Hills abattoir is set to bring wider benefits to the local
community through potential partnerships with The University of
Nottingham and Brooksby Melton College to enable student training
at the facility. The project has received widespread backing from
the National Farmer's Union, as well as numerous local farmers, the
borough council and food companies operating within the area.