A major project to refurbish Scarborough's West Pier is causing concern in the fishing community.
The regeneration project is intended to improve the area's appeal for visitors and support the fishing fleet.
The project will involve renovating heritage buildings, building new retail kiosks, public toilets and bait sheds and creating a open space which can be used for events. It will involve relocating some of the existing fishing fleet facilities to the far end of the pier.
But local trawler owner Fred Normandale is concerned that the way the project is set up could mean the money runs out before the work to support the fishing fleet is completed.
Scarborough Borough Council own, operate and maintain the pier and the Estate’s Service currently lease property on the pier to maritime, hospitality and creative businesses.
The council say that the plans will:
"ensure that all existing tenants can remain on the pier if they choose and many will be offered better accommodation under the plans.
In addition to the existing businesses it is proposed that a new quality restaurant will be located on the pier.
Car parking will be retained on the site. It is intended that some of the car parking area could also be used for events on occasion"
Fred Normandale is worried though that the way the work is being phased could be problematic for the fishing industry if funding runs short.
The borough council says it is committed to delivering the entire project including the new facilities for the fishing fleet.
Council Leader Steve Siddons has offered reassurance that the fishing elements of the project will be delivered.
Councillor Siddons says the West Pier project has been designed to provide benefits for visitors and the fishing industry.
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