Withernsea fishing compound the 'reel deal'

Plans to breathe new life into Withernsea's seafront have been welcomed.

As first revealed on the Mail's website yesterday, East Riding councillors have approved plans to extend the fishing compound and create a single-storey workshop.

It is set to further improve the shellfish industry – worth £1m – in the seaside town.

Plans for a boat slipway south of Pier Towers was also approved at the planning meeting.

Once built, fishermen will not have to travel more than 300 metres along some of Withernsea's busiest roads.

The £4m scheme will ensure the long-term viability of the south Holderness fishing fleet.

It will also mark the start of a £9m regeneration project, which includes a new cultural and business centre and improvements along Withernsea South Promenade.

Councillor Kevan Hough, Mayor of Withernsea, welcome news of the green light for the first phases of the plan.

He said: "This project is one of the five main arms of the seafront redevelopment.

"Without this part of the programme, it is probably fair to say, the whole scheme will fail.

"As Withernsea is a town with much higher than average levels of deprivation it is vital the South Promenade scheme goes ahead in order to kick-start private inward investment into Withernsea.

"The facilities will greatly enhance the local fishing industry, which is important to our fragile economy, as it is estimated to bring one million pound's worth of crab and lobster."

Despite concerns by some residents close to the South Promenade compound that the extension would lead to a loss of green area, councillors were fully behind the plans at the planning meeting.

John White, chairman of the Withernsea Fishermen's group, said: "There's never been much done to Withernsea's compound.

"It is quite important and will help with the development of the business.

"Any improvement is a good thing."

The Withernsea and South East Holderness Regeneration Partnership will now look at sources of funding.