A NEW general manager has been appointed at Bishop’s Castle Abattoir.

Dave Palmer, who has 40 years’ experience in the meat trade, has been appointed at the abattoir, which has the support of more than 60 local farmers.

Local MP Philip Dunne visited Daysgrove Holdings’ premises to meet Mr Palmer last week.

“We are delighted to have appointed Dave Palmer as general manager,” said Matt Mellor, a director of Daysgrove.

“An application has been submitted to Advantage West Midlands for a capital grant under the Rural Development Programme to help re-equip the abattoir, a decision on which we hope to receive this month.”

Mr Palmer said: “This is a very exciting opportunity to provide a service to local producers from where we hope to supply local butchers, retailers and farm shops in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys.

“We wish to capitalise on the growing consciousness of consumers about food miles – to reassure our customers that locally reared animals have had short journeys to maximise animal welfare and cut food miles between farm and plate.”