A new supermarket could still be built on the old auction site in the centre of Wigton.

Executives at Hopes Auction Company have confirmed they are still in negotiations with a major chain for their old High Street site.

It had been rumoured that the site could be used for housing development - but this was dismissed by the auction company.

Mart director, Bruce Walton, said: "Our agents are currently in negotiations with a supermarket chain.

"At this moment in time they are just talking to them.

"There are no offers on the table for the site to be used for housing.

"We just want to do what is best for Hopes and Wigton."

The whole town centre site has mainly laid empty since the firm moved to its new multi-million pound auction mart premises along Syke Road about three years ago.

The site had been earmarked by Tesco as a location for a new supermarket, but the retail giant performed a U-turn in late 2014 leaving the future of the former auction mart unknown.

At the time bosses admitted that Tesco's decision to pull out of their High Street plans was a blow.

They had taken out finance to pay for the purpose-built mart in Syke Road, and were counting on the sale of their old site to Tesco to clear the debt.

Mr Walton confirmed that permission had been granted to demolish the former Stocksman pub owned by them that was targeted by arsonists and dubbed "dangerous".

"We are going to do that. We are currently waiting for some quotes for the job," said Mr Walton.

Meanwhile, bosses have announced they are building on the mart's future with the appointment of two high-profile businessmen to its board, and the launching of a new deadweight livestock venture.


David Allen Wigton farmer and estate manager John Peile and Dalston chartered accountant David Allen have now taken up their appointment as directors.

John was born and brough up at Parkgate Hall, Waverton.

He was educated at nearby Friends School, Brookfield.

After leaving he attended Newton Rigg College at Penrith, and then joined the family farm.

In 1995 he purchased Pasture House, Bolton Low Houses, where he farmed for 18 years with his wife, Liz, and children, Thomas, Jack and Lucy.

A new business opportunity arose in 2013 and he decided to rent out Pasture House and is now in a contract farming agreement at Greystoke Castle, farming suckler cows and sheep.

David, 49, grew up locally, and attended Nelson Thomlinson School at Wigton.

He worked for the Milk Marketing Board and then Dairy Crest Foods at the Aspatria Creamery, before training to be an accountant.

Having started his accountancy firm in Dalston in 1997, the firm also has offices in Penrith, Workington and Dumfries.

David lives in Dalston with his wife, Alison, and their children Rebecca, James, Emily and Hannah.

The deadweight livestock service will see Hopes working alongside Allan Mounsey, supplying primestock of all classes to major abattoir outlets.

Usual transport and abattoir charges apply, however with direct abattoir payment no commission is charged.

Hopes' David Bowman will head up the new venture alongside his existing role as an auctioneer and valuer.

Chairman Jonathan Hope said: "John Peile is a well-respected farmer and estate manager.

"He is well-known locally, and has strong connections with the farming community.

"David Allen is a successful and prominent accountant, who will bring strong business acumen and strategic vision."

He described adding the deadweight service as an "exciting opportunity". "Without question we are building for the future," he added.