Andrew Munson said a meeting of the harbour commissioners would decide if management of the market should go to tender.

If it is proposed, a six week consultation period will present an opportunity for those who wish to put forward their views.

"All we are doing at this stage is looking at the proposals that are out there for the management of the market," said Mr Munson.

"Rather than the harbour commissioners paying all the costs, it could be that someone out there may present a business plan that could take that cost away." The company which wins the contract would need to demonstrate that they could provide a return for the harbour commissioners and successfully manage the facilities.

John Lambourn, chairman of the Penzance Market and Coastal Town Initiative, said he was concerned that local people were not involving themselves in the debate.

"It's very important that they express an opinion about it and not be simply victims of change," he said.

"This decision will affect the whole county, fishermen from every cove use Newlyn to land their fish."

Mr Lambourn said he felt the market should be managed locally rather than by a private employer.

The proposals have, however, caused divisions in the port.

Michael Williams, a fisherman and harbour commissioner, said there was concern that new management would mean higher landing fees.

"Whoever takes this on is going to hire more staff and it's the fishermen and the boats that will have to pay," he said.

But Nick Howells, manager of Newlyn's pilchard works, said the main question that fishermen should be asking is whether the new market will put up the price of fish.

"The main objective of this market is to provide the best landing facilities available," he said.

"If fishermen don't land here it rules out all the arguments," he said.

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN