But they want another cattle market built on another site.

Around 160 farmers and interested parties met at The Horseshow Inn, Windmill Hill, on Thursday last week.

They discussed Aldi's plans to build on the present market site in Market Street, Hailsham.

Hailsham Market Action Group held the meeting and presented three options.

More than 90 per cent in a secret ballot voted for option three.

This was to support Aldi but insist an application is made in the supermarket chain's own name for a new market.

This would be located on land near the A22 Diplocks roundabout, Hailsham.

Phil Hook, action group chairman, said: 'We wanted to get the farmers backing for what we have proposed to do.

'We want a seamless transition from one market to the other.

'Now we will discuss this with Aldi to see what their reaction is.'

In January a two-year option was taken out by the group to buy the 10-acre site at an agreed fixed price.

Two options at the meeting were rejected.

One was to keep opposing the Market Street site redevelopment - unless there was a 'prior delivery' of a new market.

The other option was to support Aldi and accept £500,000 to help find a new site.

Aldi has appealed after it was refused permission by Wealden District Council to build on the Market Street site.

Farmers face paying £1million from their own pockets if the cattle market is moved from Market Street to the A22 site.

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