A Newlyn Fisheries Project Officer will be funded by Objective 1 cash.

The Objective 1 fisheries programme, facilitated by South West Pesca, has awarded a grant of over £40,000 to Penwith Council for the post.

Members of the Newlyn Fish Industry Forum will be called in by the council to help them recruit the new officer and will work closely with him for a year to make sure that the projects, as identified in the Newlyn Strategy, are implemented.

The regeneration of Newlyn is being led by the forum, with members representing the local community.

The Regeneration Strategy - conducted by Atlantic Consultants and accessible on www.Penwith.gov.uk - was also partly funded by the Objective 1 Fisheries Programme and has highlighted important projects in Newlyn that will not only improve the fisheries infrastructure but the future of the whole area.

Michael Galsworthy, chairman of the Newlyn Fish Industry Forum said: "This grant is outstanding news and really signals the first significant step in the implementation of the Newlyn Regeneration Strategy.

"Of course, there is a long haul still ahead, but I have every confidence that with the focused commitment of the Forum, the understanding and sympathy of the South West RDA and maintained support of the Objective 1 Fisheries Task Force, solid progress will be made."

He added: "The story of this project is how to regenerate and sustain a peripheral coastal community dependent on a single industry and with absolutely no economic hinterland. This whole scheme allows us to broaden and strengthen the economic base of Newlyn."

Penwith Council's chief executive, Jim McKenna said: "The fish industry forum is different because all elements of the public and private sector locally are working together towards a single vision.

"This funding is an important first step towards the regeneration of Newlyn and demonstrates the faith that the South West RDA and Government Office for the South West has in our work. We firmly believe that the Cornish fishing industry, centred in Newlyn has a very exciting sustainable future."

Claire Leverton, Objective 1 fisheries programme manager stated: "This grant is the first towards achieving the projects within the Strategy and means that many more can be brought before the Fisheries Objective 1 programme as soon as possible.

"The regeneration of Newlyn is considered a very high priority by the Fisheries Task Force because Newlyn contributes so much to the fishing industry in Cornwall."