An enterprising fund-raising exercise by the community of Lower Town, Fishguard, has brought in £25,000 to cover the expenses of erecting a major sculpture, which is to be sited at Pendock on the Lower Town quay.

The bronze sculpture depicting a shoal of herrings is the work of artist John Cleal and reflects the historic herring industry, which played a crucial part in the early economy and development of the village.

While there is no remaining record of trade in the port prior to the 16th century, the Welsh Port Books show that already at that time the main exports were surplus produce from the area plus the occasional export of herrings, and it is believed that the vast shoals that frequented these waters had long been the staple food of local people.

It may well be that the place was known for its fish in Viking times for it is even suggested that the name Fishguard refers to a Viking presence, translating as place' or weir' of the fish.

During the reign of Elizabeth I, the people of Fishguard were known as Sgadan Abergwaun -Fishguard herrings - and at this time herrings from Newport and Fishguard went to feed the Queen's armies while, writing in 1603, historian George Owen recorded that as early as 1566 the harbour was particularly busy during the herring season.

The industry was still thriving early in the 18th century when, in January 1708, 100 barrels of white herrings, and 120 barrels of red herrings were transported to Bristol.

By 1840, however, the industry had greatly declined.

A local committee, the Lower Fishguard Trust, set up less than two years ago, speedily got the statue project underway, with support from Wales Tourist Board, Pembrokeshire County Council and Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council.