Newlyn fish market could move to a different location to come into line with high quality standards, as part of the port's multi-million pound regeneration scheme. Newlyn fisheries project officer Tony Woodhams said: "The fish market must be developed in the shortest possible time-scale and a feasibility study is now being put together that will give Newlyn harbour commissioners an opportunity to take a view on how they generate their business.

"Their sole aim is to hold the dues payable on fish landed to the market at two per-cent.

"If they can keep the dues at that level, they will keep the fleet here. But if it rises then it may be the straw that break's the camel's back and some boats may move away."

He added: "For that reason they have to look at other ways of generating revenue, either from leisure or more efficient use of the business properties that they already have, and that may mean moving the fish market."

It is envisaged that the historic port will be transformed within the next eight to ten years.

The wide-ranging project, which could cost in the region of £67m, amounts to the major environmental improvement to a town that, in recent times, has become the most valuable fishing port in England and Wales, with an annual catch valued at around £19 million.

The proposed regeneration plans are centred around the need for major changes to the harbour.

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