THE long running and often controversial plan to rebuild Newlyn fish market and fishing harbour in Cornwall have finally been shelved.
The local harbour board decided to drop the £5-million scheme at the weekend by a narrow seven to six vote after fears were expressed that the port may be taking on a project that it cannot properly afford. It is now possible that less expensive improvements could be carried out once the dust has settled.
The irony is that the European Fisheries Fund and the European Regional Development Fund had earlier this year agreed a grant of around £3.2 million which would have left the local industry finding another £2 million or so and this, it was felt, was too much of a financial burden to carry in the current economic climate.
Details of the scheme included a brand new fish market and auction room along with offices and some processing facilities. According to records, Newlyn has been an important West Country fishing port since the 15th century, although nothing of the original harbour remains.
The Commissioner and Newlyn harbour master, Andrew Munson said a couple of months ago when it became clear the scheme was in the balance that the local fishing industry wanted modern facilities, but it had to be paid for and it was no good crippling the industry if it could not afford it.
The main fishing company in Newlyn, W. Stevenson and Son, says that while modern facilities are needed, it was vital that the industry did not take on debts that may become a burden in future.
That view is shared by ,many fishermen and members of the local fishing industry, with some member preferring to see a central fish market serving the whole of Cornwall.
Should fisheries be closed during breeding time to allow stocks to reach more sustainable levels?
