JC Rook Butchers owner Ray Webb with customer Diane King

by Alan McGuinness

The horsemeat scandal is proving to be good news for the Towns’ butchers.

Many have experienced an increase in business in the wake of the furore, which has seen many supermarket chains admit horsemeat has found its way into processed beef products.

People appear to be ditching ready meals in favour of fresh produce, which is good news for our meat men.

Roger Kelsey, chief executive of the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders, estimated his members had enjoyed a 10-15% boost in business since mid-January with up to a 50% increase in the demand for sausages, mince and burgers.

One of those who has benefited is Ray Webb, manager of JC Rook Butchers in Gillingham High Street.

Mr Webb, who has been at the shop for 35 years, said he had seen a 20% increase in sales.

He said: “I’ve seen a lot of new faces. It’s been great for us and I know for other butchers it’s been the same.”

The shop has a sign above the meats on offer. It tells customers that all of it comes from Castle Farm in Sevenoaks.

Mr Webb added: “You get what you pay for.”

Dennis Hills, whose shop in Frindsbury Road, Rochester, bears his name, was similarly upbeat.

He said mince and burgers were particularly popular: “People are coming in who I’ve never seen before.

"For some of them it’s the first time they’ve been into a butchers. People want transparency.”

Eric Davey, who has run a shop in Station Road, Rainham, for 18 years, was little more cautious.

He said: “We’ve noticed a reasonable increase, but we can’t tell how long it will last.”

As the horsemeat scandal continues, Medway Council has banned all processed meat from its school meals until further notice.

While The Manor Farm Beefeater in Rainham and the Honourable Pilot Brewers Fayre in Gillingham have withdrawn meat products after owners Whitbread said it found horse DNA in two products from suppliers.