CONSERVATIVE Shadow Minister Richard Benyon said the Newlyn fishing community has entered a new golden era in its search for a change.

The member for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs visited the port last week with MEP Julie Girling and St Ives parliamentary candidate Derek Thomas.

He promised an audience of around a dozen members of the fishing community that he would do all he could to help struggling fleets around the UK.

He talked about the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) which it is hoped will make a significant difference in the quota laws. The review, which is based on an analysis of the achievements and shortcomings of the current policy, is anticipated to make the policy more efficient in ensuring the economic viability of the European fleets.

He said: "I do not have a silver bullet that will solve all the problems but I promise we're straight forward, open and accessible because part of the problem is that people feel that they do not get their views heard. I want fishermen in Newlyn to feel that their sons and grandsons can enter the industry and feel there's a long term future.

"At the moment you can't plan a year ahead.

"There's urgency about it and I want to sort this out."

Mr Benyon 's vows were met by a mixture of scepticism and optimism.

Paul Trebilcock, CEO of the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation, said the industry needed radical changes but reminded the minister that the forthcoming elections would provide the real test.

Nick Howell, of Pilchard Works, said the industry must remain positive.

The shadow minister was accompanied by MEP Julie Girling and the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for St Ives, Derek Thomas.

Mr Thomas said: "Many livelihoods depend on Cornwall's fishing industry yet it is an industry in need of urgent effective action.

"Fishermen must be given far greater control over the future of the industry and fast."

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN