A councillor who campaigned furiously against a proposed ban on fishing at Holy Island believes "common sense has prevailed" after the Government scrapped the plans.
It emerged this weekend that the Government's proposed blanket ban on fishing at Holy Island has officially been dropped after a sustained campaign by local residents and stakeholders.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) had been considering whether to designate the island as a Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA), putting thousands of years of fishing in the area at risk.
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However, in a letter to Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan, secretary of state Thérèse Coffey confirmed that Lindisfarne would not be one of the sites designated.
Coun Colin Hardy, who represents the Norham and Islandshires ward on Northumberland County Council, also welcomed the news. Coun Hardy had previously urged the council to voice its opposition to the plans in a speech that drew a thundering round of applause at county hall.
Coun Hardy said: "The voice of the people has been heard and common sense has prevailed. This is fantastic news.
"I am proud to have played a part in the campaign to save the livelihood of the local fishermen, their industry their community and their heritage. Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to everyone who gave their support."
In the letter, Mrs Coffey said DEFRA "recognised the strength of feeling" surrounding the Holy Island proposal and that it was "grateful" for the views and evidence the community had "so clearly" shared during the consultation process.
Posting on social media, Ms Trevelyan wrote: "I am so thrilled to be able to reassure all our amazing fishermen and their families on Holy Island that the secretary of state has confirmed fishing will continue to remain the lifeblood of this ancient corner of Northumberland."
The campaign against the proposals was led by Reverend Canon Dr Sarah Hills, who previously warned that the proposed ban would "rip the heart" out of the community. There were fears it would force the fishermen living on the island to leave, which could in turn lead to the closure of the local school and other services.
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