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| Mr Boyers - unhappy both with offensive terminology and smokehouse proposal |
CONTINUAL use of the term 'kasbah' to describe part of Grimsby Docks has been slammed by a leading fish industry executive.
The precise location is a small triangular area at the back of Fish Dock Road, Cross Street and Henderson Street.
Although the buildings are largely empty and dilapidated, the site is rich in fishing industry heritage and currently subject to a regeneration initiative.
But Martyn Boyers, supremo at Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises Ltd, has urged use of 'kasbah' to be scrapped - at least in official documents such as planning applications and regeneration reports.
Says he: " The term may conjure up some sort of mystical Arabian delight that needs salvaging, but in reality planning applicants and others should not use it.
"It was created back in the late 'seventies and caught on to be the colloquial name for the area.
"In fact, it was originally a derogatory term which today would be considered homophobic, stereotypical and racist."
Mr Boyer's blast has come as part of an unsuccessful objection to a planning proposal which will lead to public monies being spent on restoration of two premises - the old Peterson smokehouse and an adjacent property known only as Building 89.
In his submission to North East Lincolnshire Council's planning department, he demanded: "I can see the attraction of a smokehouse, but why renovate a dilapidated, leaking and rat-infested building when there are working examples around?
"The idea of reinstating Petersons smokehouse can only be made from someone who doesn't know what is involved.
"What fish will be bought? Who will buy it? Who will process it?
"Who will set the fire, clean the spekes and put the spekes in the chimneys?
"Who will pack the fish and who will be the customers?
"And who will pays for it all?"
Continued Mr Boyers: "It is ill conceived and ludicrous even to consider this project as there is no value in it.
"The idea of attracting members of the public will conflict with the efforts being made by ABP to keep safe an area which is currently fenced off as dangerous.
"There is no vehicle access and no parking in the area, and it is difficult, therefore, to see any community value in the project.
"This project flies in the face of the existing smokehouses and curing operations that will be competing commercially.
"The addition of a community backed project will not be a level playing field in terms of selling smoked product.
"This project undermines and dilutes the value of the existing curers who have worked hard to obtain PGI (Protected Geographical Indication).
"There is a thriving community of smokehouses despite a few in recent years having fallen by the wayside.
"Why isn't money being allocated to support existing curers and promote the brand 'Grimsby Traditional Smoked Fish'?
"Many existing traders would welcome the opportunity of funding to upgrade their premises.
"To resurrect Petersons is a waste of public money and we object strongly to the project."
