Extension to Fetlar breakwater given go ahead by planning board

The extension to the Fetlar breakwater was approved at a meeting of the council’s planning board today.

Earlier in the summer councillors heard that the overall project was expected to come well within budget.

As the contractors were, and are still, on site and as a longer breakwater was considered ideal to provide more protection for small boats, it was decided to go ahead and extend the project by 40 metres.

North Isles councillor Josie Simpson said he was pleased to move the motion, and said: “The sooner we get the last bit done the better. Time is not on our side. The contractor is on site and if we grant this now he could get on with it.” He was seconded by Caroline Miller.

The project, including the extension, is expected to be finished round about April. Approval for the extension should allay fears expressed by many, including Fetlar Community Council, that the original breakwater would be too short to give full protection to vessels in all weathers.