Opponents of a multi-million pound port scheme have questioned its long-term job prospects.
They argued Harwich suffered high unemployment in the past and could be badly hit by investing in an unstable shipping industry.
A public inquiry is currently being held in the port town to determine whether a new £300 million container terminal could be built there.
Hutchison Ports UK wants to double the size of Harwich International Port at Bathside Bay.
It suggests the development would create a total of 1,700 jobs.
But John Noble, of Harwich Fishermen's Association, yesterday argued the ship-building industry was in decline and no long-term job promises should be made.
He told the inquiry that the industry used to employ 69,000 staff nationally but that had diminished to just 25,000 workers.
Tendring Council has given cautious approval to the Bathside Bay proposals.
Published Wednesday May 26, 2004
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