Fishing leaders have described the move to shut two fisherman's missions in Devon and Cornwall as a "tragedy".

The missions in Brixham and Newlyn are two of seven in Britain earmarked for closure within the next five years.

The Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, the charity that runs the facilities said it was forced to act because of the spiralling costs of running the buildings.

 

 
The money it argues, could be better spent elsewhere helping those who work in the industry.
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Missions have worked for generations to offer support, refuge and pastoral care to seafarers and to the wider fishing communities.

Phil Trebilcock, chairman of Newquay Fishermen's Association, said the closures would affect the whole of the fishing community.

He said: "It's a real pity they have to close because when a tragedy happens at sea the missions are always there in the background helping out and supporting those affected. But we understand totally that if the cost of running them is getting too high then the charity has no choice."

Dan Conley, the charity's chief executive, said: "These centres are now being significantly under-used by fishermen and their families."

He said the charity could instead concentrate on providing emergency support directly when incidents arose, such as ships sinking or crew members being seriously injured. The mission has had a presence in Cornwall since 1896. It was initially based in Penzance and moved to Newlyn in 1903.

The Brixham mission centre has also been serving the maritime fishing and seafaring communities of Devon for many generations and recognised local landmark in the port.

However, according to the charity the organisation may retain a presence in the two towns.

Mr Conley the missions could be replaced with smaller facilities which the charity could run meaning there would still be some form of physical presence in the towns.

Jon Cleave, a member of the ten-strong Cornish singing group The Fisherman's Friends, said: "This is a very sad day for anyone involved in the maritime or nautical industries because the missions have been there for so long they are a part of our history."

Jim Portus, chairman of the Brixham Mission board, said it was "sad news" but that many missions were not making enough money to cover their costs.

"It is understandable that pressure exists also to refresh the Mission and regenerate its Christian pastoral roots," he said. "Redundancies sadly are expected, but affected staff will be properly compensated.

"This is a challenge that will be faced stoically by the Brixham port missioner and his team on the local advisory committee, of which I am chairman. We know there is balance to be struck between economic cuts and welfare service provision, between community and communion.

 

"I am sure that the Mission will emerge the stronger for the changes and will be more effective in its continuing support for UK and visiting fishermen."

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