The future of Newton Abbot's livestock market and the Asda development were at the forefront of discussion by councillors at Ashburton Town Council's meeting this week.

District councillor Rhona Parker said that Ashburton residents and council had the right to an opinion about Newton Abbot, as it was their central market town.

Town councillor Jack Elliott, who strongly supports the need for the livestock market, said there was a big farming community from Ashburton who use Newton Abbot market.

He asked county councillor Stuart Barker whether it was going to close.

Cllr Barker responded by saying that the obvious view was not to shut the market.

He said that a review was taking place to investigate how the market could run in the future.

He said that when people talked about the market, they only thought there was one, but all three – livestock, indoor market and pannier market – needed to be considered.

Cllr Barker said that the farmers', auctioneers' and the residents' views needed to be considered.

In response, Cllr Elliott said that the market had been part of the town for the past 800 years.

Cllr Tony Pugh was more concerned with the review that was taking place.

He said: 'Reviews led to regrets.'

Cllr Barker disagreed, saying that reviews gave better insight into issues.

During the meeting, councillors discussed the Asda development in Wolborough Street, Newton Abbot, which got the thumbs-up this week.

Cllr Parker said that she had voted against the supermarket being built.

She said that when people are asked their opinion about the development, they will think it is a good idea.

However, she felt that they had not really thought about how the outcome would affect the town.

Cllr Wendy Gill, the mayor, said that she had worked in Newton Abbot for many years and believed the town was better in days gone by.

She said: 'Can't we keep what we have got in the town?'

Cllr Gill said she felt the answer was to restore Newton Abbot, not change it.

Cllr Barker was more optimistic about Newton Abbot's future, stating that although there should be 15 percent more retail space in the town, there are less shops shut now, than in the past.