Chris Bray

Plans for a new Fish Quay have had a welcome boost from the South West Regional Development Agency. The agency has agreed to part fund, up to £10,000, a feasibility study into the potential for such a project. Matched funding, from other sources, will also be required to complete the report.   The feasibility study will consider the replacement of the existing Fish Quay with modern improved facilities for fishermen, with a dedicated access to the quay. It will also consider better access to the river for the general public and seek to maximise the viability of the local fishing community.  Initial outline plans envisage providing replacement fisherman’s stores as well as the provision of a small ice making plant.   The proposals are being lead by the Teign Fishermen and Watermen’s Association, Teignbridge District Council, and Teignmouth’s two Devon County Councillors, David Cox and Chris Bray. Likely to cost in excess of £1million, the project is being assisted by Stephen Bailey, Fisheries Funding Officer, whose expertise is in accessing EU fisheries grants. Stephen is hopeful EU money will be available, though match funding from the UK will have to be found. David Cox said, “This project is first and foremost to meet the needs of the Teign’s Fishermen; however there are real economic and leisure spin offs for Teignmouth and Shaldon. I ‘m really pleased we are making progress”  Chris Bray added, “I am very grateful to Barry Wilson and the Teign Fishermen and Watermen for bringing this proposal forward.  All the interested bodies are keen for it to happen and if it does, it will be yet another aspect of the continuing regeneration of Teignmouth that has happened in recent years and is still scheduled to continue.”