WE write in reply to a brief article on page 3 of last week's Malvern Gazette, 'Concern over hills sheep'.

Pauline Burgess makes claims based on fiction, not fact, and her continuing 'crusade' to deride farmers and all people connected with supplying fresh, quality meats to the public does nothing but put a slur on the industry.

As she well knows, all livestock markets are more than adequately covered by regulation and attendance at every market by the local trading standards department and a qualified veterinary surgeon. All stock is inspected and treated with compassion and care - why wouldn't it be?

Apart from everyone in the supply chain actually regarding working with animals to be a pleasure, they are a valuable 'product' and as with any 'valuable item', the better they are looked after and treated, the better the return. Actually, they are worth more to everyone if they are in top, prime condition.

As with livestock markets, all abattoirs are similarly governed - 'local' abattoirs would be treated no differently.

To the best of my knowledge, Ian Rowat has not been in a livestock market, so why should he, quote 'avoid sheep going to livestock markets'? I would have thought it was his duty to ensure the stock sold off the hills is sold for the best competitive price, by auction.

Clive C Roads, partner in charge of Worcester Livestock Market for and on behalf of McCartneys LLP, The Heath Meadow, Nunnery Way

Worcester.