A traditional fisherman's hut on a Suffolk seafront is set to be revived to sell smoked fish after being bought by an entrepreneur with the aim of supporting local businesses.

David Passey has submitted an application for a certificate of lawful use to East Suffolk Council to enable him and his brother Ryan to run The Fisherman's Hut W19 at Blackshore in Southwold.

The business used to sell wet fish, but closed down and now Mr Passey, who used to work in hospitality, is hoping to reopen the premises and work with a local smokehouse to supply the fish, as well as breads and 'other cold bits'.

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He said: "We have been going to the harbour for 30 years, that is the reason for us getting behind it really. It is a passion project for the harbour and local community."

The date for the reopening is yet to be decided and is dependent on securing the certificate of lawful use.

Mr Passey added: "We are really excited, we are really passionate about it. We have put a lot of energy into it over the last nine months."

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He said he had received a lot of support from the local community to restore the hut to its former glory and wanted to keep to tradition while also moving forward.

"The feedback from the harbour and the local community has been very positive.

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"I just think that people need some of this stuff and I hope that that is deemed a positive as well. How do you keep things moving on while also protecting the traditions and history and heritage? It is all a balance."

The opening of the hut will provide a boost for the Blackshore Quay area that was hit by a devastating fire in May, which caused extensive damage to eight sheds and two fish and chip shops, although Mr Passey's premises was not among those affected.

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