A group of local farmers have come together with the aim of raising in excess of £3 million to save Long Compton Abattoir from closure.
The Save Long Compton Abattoir Steering Group is seeking to attract a combination of private and public funding to purchase the freehold site and business and improve the abattoir.
The abattoir, located in the Cotswolds, has been in operation since the 1920s. Its closure is set to happen this month, with the steering group labelling it a “devastating blow”.
“Long Compton is one of the last small abattoirs in the region. Without a thriving local abattoir, our farm businesses, conservation work, meat retail, food system and rural economy all become less sustainable,” the group said.
“Animal welfare is at risk and food miles will increase. With the future of all our other local abattoirs hanging in the balance, it is vital we ensure Long Compton remains in operation.”
The steering group is proposing the setting up of a new limited company and funding the purchase of the site by selling shares in multiples of £1,000.
Save Long Compton Abattoir
The steering group has organised a site visit by an abattoir advisor who deemed the site fit for purpose without major investment.
Since forming, the group has also:
- Commenced initial negotiations with the current owner;
- Submitted a successful funding application for £10,000 for help with the development of a business plan;
- Promoted the Cotswold Abattoir Feasibility Study and stakeholder survey to gather data for the business plan;
- Liaised with potential investors;
- Sought funding from Cotswold AONB and Warwickshire County Council;
- Commissioned SBK to undertake a site appraisal and valuation of the business;
- Launched the campaign website and investor appeal.
“Long Compton Abattoir is a well-established business which currently has a customer base of over 900 with a turnover of £1 million,” the group said.
“It is at present processing 25-30 beasts, 100 pigs and 180 lambs per week, but is currently working at a reduced capacity.
“There is potential to increase this considerably with customer demand due to the fact that the future of many other small abattoirs is uncertain.”
