Fish firm closes after two centuries running port’s market

THE company which runs a fish market that has served an ancient North Yorkshire port for two centuries has announced it will close this summer.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Mar 2011, 06:00 BST

Alliance Fish Whitby Limited is due to be wound up in June, although it is hoped another firm could come on board to run the market.

Managing director, Dave Winspear, stressed that his company had explored options with Scarborough Borough Council before coming to the decision.

But the Whitby Harbour Board’s chairman, Coun Peter Popple, said: “While it is extremely sad what has happened, I am hopeful that the fish market will continue with a different firm.”

Whitby’s fishing industry has been hit hard by European Union restrictions, and the Pier Road market, which operates six days a week, has also seen profits dwindle. Alliance Fish used to employ a dozen staff, but now has only four workers who are facing redundancy.

An award-winning fish shop, The Whitby Catch, is due to be sold when the firm is wound up.

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