THE wraps have finally come off a £1.1 million development designed to give Exmoor's farming community a boost.

The long awaited new Cutcombe livestock market was officially opened last Friday, signalling the end of eight months of building work and around four years of negotiations over a scheme that will also deliver business premises and 25 homes.

Local church leaders the Rev David Weir, of Exford, and the Rev Terry Staples, rector of Cutcombe, cut the ribbon on the new facilities which include a sale ring and café under one roof, with an adjoining dual purpose penning area for cattle and sheep.

The development also incorporates features such as rain water harvesting for wash-down, air source heat pumps for the office area and solar panels for water heating.

Auctioneer and manager Peter Huntley said the opening of the market was a big step forward for both the local farming community and the many buyers from across the country who would use the facilities.

The market is the result of a partnership between Exmoor Farmers, Taunton-based Summerfield Homes, Somerset County Council and the Exmoor National Park Authority.

A dozen of the 25 homes will be affordable, with the remainder sold on the open market in a departure from strict national park housing policies to fund the agricultural facilities.

The opening of the market was welcomed by the conservation charity the Exmoor Society, as an important step in helping to revitalise the fortunes of hill farming.

The society has long campaigned to draw attention to the plight of hill farmers following changes to the Common Agricultural Policy and has continued to raise awareness of the crucial role the industry plays in maintaining the landscape, wildlife and heritage of the uplands.

Society chairman Rachel Thomas said: "Cutcombe market gives a major boost to the confidence of local farmers and the large turnout at the opening of the many people involved in developing a first class facility is a testament to its importance.

"It goes against those who argued that the future for livestock markets is only to be found in the large super ones being developed regionally.

"Cutcombe market deserves every success."

Photos: Steve Guscott