A SUPERMARKET built on Louth cattle market would lead to the slow strangulation of the town, according to campaigners aiming to keep the town special.
Members of Keep Louth Special pressure group said they were gearing up for a fight to stop the cattle market being sold off to a supermarket developer.
The warning came as council chiefs announced they will appoint a team of consultants to advise the council whether to put the cattle market up for sale.
The cattle market, which is the only livestock centre in Lincolnshire, is owned by East Lindsey District Council.
Chairman of Keep Louth Special, Alan Mumby, said: "It is no coincidence Louth has been chosen as Britain's favourite market town.
"We want the council to think long term. We sympathise with them that they have to save cash, but a few bucks now is not in the long-term benefit of the town."
He added: "There is much more support for the campaign to save the High Streets of towns. If a supermarket were to be built in the town it would lead to a slow strangulation."
The cattle market has been earmarked as one of two sites in Louth which could be developed as a retail site. The other is Morrisons, in Eastgate, which could be expanded.
Councillors will make a decision in September whether to sell the cattle market and build a new one on the town's Fairfield industrial estate.
East Lindsey District Council portfolio holder for finance, Councillor John Upsall, pictured left, said more developers have approached the council expressing their interest in the site for a range of uses.
He said the council would seek independent expert advice to inform councillors of its commercial potential if it is worth putting the cattle market on the market.
Councillor Upsall said: "The district council has taken no decision to dispose of the site, neither has it taken a view as to what the site could or should be used for in the future.
"We must be absolutely clear that if the current cattle market site is redeveloped, a new cattle market would be provided in accordance with The Royal Charter."
He said a new cattle market could be used for antiques sales and car sales, as well as livestock.
Councillor Upsall said all local authorities are complying with central government guidance to maximise assets.
ELDC corporate asset manager Gary Sargeant said the authority had to "sweat" its assets.
