A south Shropshire abattoir creating at least nine jobs in south Shropshire, is due to open officially for business on Wednesday.

The aim is to supply local butchers and farm shops.

In preparation for the doors to open, Daysdrove Holdings held an open day for shareholders at the site in Bishop’s Castle yesterday.

Malcolm Corfield, for Daysdrove Holdings, said today: “We have got the green light and we hope to officially open for business on Wednesday.

“We have got nine people employed but we hope to take on more and they are all local people. The shareholders were really impressed during the open event.”

Newly appointed general manager Dave Palmer said previously that the aim was to capitalise on the growing consciousness of consumers about food miles.

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 reassure customers that locally reared animals have had short journeys to maximise animal welfare and cut food miles between farm and plate.”

Bishop’s Castle Meat closed during the last foot and mouth scare, but has now been bought by Daysdrove Holdings, a company of investors from around Bishop’s Castle.

NFU livestock chairman and Bishop’s Castle farmer Mervin Mullard said: “It is going to be better for the livestock, the farmers and the consumers.”