SUPPORTING the fishing industry in Newlyn is the key to boosting its economy, according to the port's authority.
Although plans for a new multi-million-pound fish market were turned down by the Pier and Harbour Commission on August, it has pledged that improvements are on the horizon.
Newlyn's harbour commissioners faced the public at an event last week, answering questions on the future of the port, several of which asked how local businesses could be given a much-needed boost.
"I am very depressed because of the small shops that are closing," said local resident Ann Pilcher, who is a member of the Newlyn Environment Group.
"Is there anything that can be done to bring more business to Newlyn?"
"I totally agree that we must try and make sure that our port is flourishing," said Juliet Taylor, who chairs the commission's asset committee. "The best way is for us to get behind the fishing industry so the boats want to land here and use our market. Then we will get more money to introduce more facilities, and (the development at) Sandy Cove will bring more jobs."
Over the past decade, the commission has spent some £100,000 on plans for a new fish market.
Undecided
And the new board of commissioners, who took over in June, are still considering whether to develop the existing market.
Gilbert McCabe, the commission's chairman, admitted that the building on The Strand is something of an eyesore.
"I believe that the physical aspect of the market, as you look at it, is not as attractive as it could or should be," he said.
Others cautioned that a new market wouldn't be the answer to Newlyn's increasing economic woes. We are starting to realise that one new fish market is not going to solve all our problems," added fellow commissioner Nick Howell.
"There are many different requirements, which is why we are talking to everybody.
"The market is costing us a lot of money; all we receive is 2.5 per cent of the value of the fish as it comes across the quay.
"It is a fishing port, so we are coming down to discuss what that market should be like.
But the bigger boats tend to go to more processing, and the smaller to fishmongers, restaurants etc.
"Newlyn is undeveloped; it is not St Ives.
"There is an opportunity for the commissioners to look at that development.
"The joy of having a trust port is that we are bound to listen to our stakeholders.
"This isn't going to be a harbour like Brixham; it is a port where we listen to our community." IN LAST week's report on the future of Newlyn, we stated that Newlyn's Pier and Harbour Commission's books were "£600,000 into the red". This is not the case – that sum refers to the amount the commissioners need to spend over the next few years on fendering and vital repairs to the quays. We regret the error.
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN