New European regulations controlling livestock haulage could accelerate plans for two new abattoirs in West Wales.

Farmers and businessmen in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire want to set up slaughterhouses at Haverfordwest and Whitland.

From January 1st, 2003, new European Commission rules governing the distances cattle can be transported will come into effect.

The committees set up to explore the potential for small abattoirs at Haverfordwest and Whitland believe this ruling could work in their favour. The policy will promote the establishment of smaller abattoirs in remote areas.

It has been predicted that the Pembrokeshire Meat Company could start construction work on a new abattoir at Haverfordwest in January.

A similar project at Whitland is in its infancy, but has the support of farmers, the business sector, councillors, butchers, auctioneers and mart committee members.

An arch supporter of the scheme is local dairy farmer, Sir Eric Howells, former chairman of the Welsh Conservative Party.

He was pleased with the support shown at a recent meeting, held to discuss the future of Whitland and the farming industry, a sector he describes as the backbone of West Wales.

Those present expressed the view very strongly that foot and mouth disease had probably entered the country by the importation of meat from countries with lower standards than the UK and where the disease was endemic, said Sir Eric, of Meadow View, Llanddewi Velfrey.

Its spread was encouraged by the unnecessary movement of stock around the country, adding to the farmers costs and taking work out of the area."

He said Whitland would be a good location for a small abattoir because it is within three miles of a dual carriageway leading to the M4.

The meeting resolved to look further into the possibility of building an abattoir in the Whitland area and to seek advice from the WDA and work in conjunction with the county councils of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire," he said.