CONCERN is growing that a proposed marine conservation area could destroy tourism from Maryport to Silloth.

It has been suggested that the conservation area would not only have an impact on fishing but could also see restrictions placed on pedestrians on the multi-million-pound walking and cycle tracks that have been built between the two seaside towns.

Maryport town and county councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes plans to lodge a notice of concern to have the matter discussed at county level.

She said the scheme would stop shoreline anglers in that area and - dog walkers from letting dogs off leads to protect nesting birds. 

"How are they even going to police that?" she asked.  

Allerdale councillor for Maryport, Iain Greaney, said Allonby is already a marine conservation area and in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

READ MORE: Will tracks become obsolete

The plan now is to make it "highly protected.."

"This will effectively stop fishing and (angling) in the area of the sea from Maryport North Pier, up to Dubmill point north of Allonby and 4 miles out to sea from the coast.

This includes anything that impacts on the water column, beach/shore area including rod angling and even possibly dog walking.

"Over the past 40 years local councils and the community have been striving to make this area a genuine tourist destination and I believe we are now just starting to see the rewards of this work coming through.

"However this proposal has the ability to have a significant detrimental impact and undo some of that good work in a single blow.

 Maryport Fishing Cooperative manager John McAvoy said the impact on commercial fishing would be minimal.

"It will affect one small boat in our harbour and hobby anglers.

"Our bigger boats don't fish in that area and nor do the Silloth boats who fish mainly for shrimps.

"Most fishermen recognise the need for conservation and would not be too worried about this scheme.

"If it affects tourism, however, - walking dogs, paddling or swimming - then that will have a definite impact on tourism." 

A DEFRA spokesman said:“Our consultation, which closes next week, will inform decisions on where future highly marine protected areas might be designated. As part of this process, the local community have the opportunity to share their views and provide evidence regarding the potential impact of proposed pilot sites."

 

“