MOVES to provide Wensleydale with its own commercial abattoir took a step forward when a planning application was lodged with the Yorkshire dales national park authority.

Mr Martin McIntyre, who has run an unlicensed slaughterhouse at East Borwins, between Bainbridge and Hawes, for five years, hopes to upgrade the premises.

At the moment, farmers can have animals killed there for home consumption only and not for sale to butchers or supermarkets.

If permission is given for a commercial operation, producers who now have to travel up to 50 miles to have beasts slaughtered would be able to operate more efficiently and economically.

Supporters of the scheme say it will give a major boost to the faltering dales economy.

The northern dales red meat initiative and Richmondshire District Council economic development unit have backed the proposals.

Talks on funding began last year and it is hoped European funding can be attracted to offset some of the cost, which could be about £800,000.

The nearest abattoirs at present are at Cockfield, near Bishop Auckland, and Kendal, in Cumbria.