Pembrokeshire's fishermen are set to benefit from a brand new cold store facility at Milford Fish Docks. The new addition to Wales' largest fishing port will allow multiple users to store their catch on site, retaining it in its freshest state ready for local processing or onward sale.

The new, modern cold store will be a multi-user facility with lockable caged areas. It is replacing an old store which is no longer fit for purpose and has been out of use for 10 years. The project is being delivered by the Port of Milford Haven following a successful grant application made to the Cleddau to Coast Fishing Local Action Group (FLAG) which is funded by the European Fisheries Fund through the Welsh Government.

"Our aim is to create new opportunities for people living and working here," said Alaric Churchill, marina and docks manager. "After all, Milford Haven was built around the fishing industry and we see no reason why the sector can't continue to grow and thrive.

"We've consulted with people closest to the industry and together we have identified new opportunities for local inshore fishermen."

Nia Marshall, chairman of the Cleddau to Coast Fishing Local Action Group, said: "It gives me great pleasure to hear that this excellent project will now go ahead with money from the European Fisheries Fund. It's one of a number of initiatives put forward by the FLAG and shows that local people involved in the Pembrokeshire fishing sector can decide themselves how this EU funding should be spent."

Transformation of Milford Fish Docks began late last year with the construction of two other new buildings, part funded by the European Fisheries Fund through the Welsh Government. Once completed, the building known locally as 'F shed' will house four food-grade processing units available to let on a flexible basis - seasonally, collectively or long term. The other, the 'Packaway building', will provide local fishing businesses with flake ice, fish box washing facilities, secure equipment storage and office facilities.

The Port of Milford Haven is confident that infrastructure improvements at Milford Fish Docks will provide local businesses with opportunities for growth and diversification, attract additional trades to Pembrokeshire and act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the fisheries sector across south west Wales.