This is according to the developer, Egyptian businessman Magdy El Ashram.

And in what is a positive sign for the town, he said he was happy with Port Pirie Regional Council and he does not think he will “ever let them down.”

“Definitely, I will go ahead with the project in Port Pirie,” he said.

“Hopefully in two months I will start construction.” Mayor Brenton Vanstone said Mr Ashram had a supportive council and region.

But he would like the abattoir to have more of a focus on domestic animals than feral animals.

“I would prefer the primary focus being as a sheep abattoir,” he said.

He said this would provide for more continuity of supply.

Meanwhile, there have been rumours that the abattoir would move to Peterborough where there is already a knackery or horse meatworks. Peterborough council development officer Ron Ashenden dismissed rumours that a develop- ment application had been lodged in his town.

But he said if he did receive such an application in the future, it would stay “in confidence”.

Mr El Ashram backed this claim. “There is no way on earth I would go to Peterborough,” he said.

But he admitted he had spoken to the then Belgian owners of the Peterborough two years ago, with no success.

“It didn’t work out,” he said. “I changed my mind. I am not thinking of Peterbrough.”

Mr Vanstone was unaware of any rumours that the abattoir may move to Peterborough.

“I have heard some rumblings that the abattoir of Peterborough may expand,” he said.

“But as for Magdy, he has already got a development application in.”