Fishermen's Mission eyes Freeman Street pubs for new home

ONE of two redundant Grimsby pubs could soon be given a new lease of life as a charity hub.Grimsby's Fishermen's Mission is hoping to relocate – and staff at the charity have their eyes on netting either the White Knight on Freeman Street or the Kent Arms, Kent Street.In the latest move to kick-start the redevelopment of the Freeman Street area, port missioner Nathan Barnard has already looked at a number of premises, including both pubs – and hopes to have the new centre up and running by July 2011.

The area has been deemed an ideal location for the charity – which is currently based in Wharncliffe Road, Grimsby Docks – as many of the 10,000 retired seamen living in the area often frequent local watering holes, such as the White Bear, Cottees and The Mariner's Rest in Albert Street.However, in order to secure either building, the charity needs to raise at least £60,000 – with the reserve price for the White Knight set at £110,000, and the Kent Arms priced at £65,000Mr Barnard said: "We would need at least £60,000, and once we have that the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen should be able to provide money for the refurbishment, and we can start applying for grants.

"It will help the regeneration of the Freeman Street area and have a positive impact on other businesses."We've done surveys and carried out cost analysis and people want us in Freeman Street."I think the £60,000 or more for a new base is achievable and if we could be in there by July 2011 that would be lovely."