The marina was key to the council's regeneration plans

The Harbour Commissioners have pulled out of a deal to build a 500-berth marina and new fishing facilities because of an unresolved legal row.

The commissioners, which run the town's harbour, prefer their own scaled-back plans for a 100-berth redevelopment, it is claimed by East Riding councillors.

The council said it would now explore other ways of regenerating the town.

Plans rejected

Councillor Stephen Parnaby, leader of the council, said: "This is a very sad day for the people and businesses of Bridlington.

"The marina was the jewel in the crown of regeneration initiatives."

The chairman of the Bridlington Harbour Commissioners was unavailable for comment on Friday after his members pulled out of a planned meeting on Thursday.

The group had opposed the council's original plans for a marina, which were rejected by the government in August 2003 because of environmental concerns.

Money owed

Revised plans unveiled two months later were described as "unworkable" by the town's Harbour Master, Chris Wright.

Crucially, government officials had told the council that it must work in partnership with the town's harbour board for the scheme to be successful.

The commissioners' dispute with the authority is over the level of legal costs they were awarded after the public inquiry.

In a letter notifying the council of the decision, the commissioners said they felt unable to continue with the development proposals until the issue was resolved.