Investigation to get under way

Scarborough also has the potential to be a key player in serving the UK offshore wind sector, according to the strategy.

Cllr Jeffels added: “We will be looking at setting up a task group to take it forward at the scrutiny meeting on Wednesday and I would expect it to go to full council in November.”

Once the strategy is adopted for Scarborough, business plans are set to be devised for the ports of Whitby and Filey Brigg. The harbour report will go to the council’s overview and scrutiny committee to be investigated with an update expected around Christmas time. The committee was due to meet yesterday. alongside a task group set up by the authority’s overview and scrutiny board.

Cllr David Jeffels, who sits on the board, said: “It’s a very ambitious strategy that is planned. It has got great innovation and it is going to have considerable long-term cultural and economic benefits to Scarborough.

“There is so much support from a wide range of harbour users and other organisations in the town.

“Everyone realises the harbour is a key tourist attraction. It dates back more than 700 years and it has continued to develop.

“We have seen the decline of the fishing industry and the cargo has also diminished.

“But nevertheless the plan outlined in the strategy will take it forward and show that it remains sustainable.

“It is a wonderful asset and the mixed-use development that is proposed is going to help it become even more viable.

“It has evolved tremendously over the centuries and this is taking it into the 21st century.”

The plan calls for new development opportunities to be explored and indicates that there could be a resurgence in the town’s dwindling fishing industry.