FOR centuries they have taken pride of place along a popular seafront, a permanent reminder of a community’s coastal heritage and links to the sea.

East Anglian Daily Times: Nicolas Hill has formed the Fishing Boat Conservation Fund to paint the fishing boats in Aldeburgh so they can be kept in good condition. Alan Burrell working on one of the boats.Nicolas Hill has formed the Fishing Boat Conservation Fund to paint the fishing boats in Aldeburgh so they can be kept in good condition. Alan Burrell working on one of the boats. (Image: Archant)

Now a bid has been launched to safeguard the future of the fishing boats on Aldeburgh beach.

The campaign is spearheaded by the town’s Nicolas Hill, who is keen to ensure they remain a focal point for residents and visitors alike.

He said: “Restrictions and a lack of fish in the sea make it almost impossible for an Aldeburgh fisherman to earn a decent living. One wooden clinker boat remains in working order. The remaining 13 are all dirty, rotten and unseaworthy.

“They are all that remain of a centuries-old fishing industry that made the town what it is today.

“To ignore this inheritance and let the few remaining boats disappear forever would be disrespectful to the memory of those many hundreds of fishermen and the hardships they endured.

“An effort must be made to preserve these beautiful boats as long as it is practically possible, so that the young of today and hopefully future generations can have some knowledge of Aldeburgh’s past.”

The Fishing Boast Conservation Fund has already raised around £6,000, with Mr Hill contributing £700 of his own money. It costs approximately £1,000 to refurbish a boat and two - The Viking and Content - have already been restored.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution to the fund can contact the town clerk at the Moot Hall on 01728 452158 or Mr Hill on 01728 453269.