Going for the easy option

I am very disappointed by the decision by Shetland Islands Council to hike up ferry fares, when commuters are already shocked and curtailed by the increase in petrol prices.

I feel this is an “easy hit” as the majority of decision-makers live in Mainland Shetland and have little or no understanding of the needs of such communities.

This is thwarting ambition for people in the isles. They are going to begin to think it is better off to stay home on benefits than to aspire to find work opportunities outwith the isles, as they are no better off at the end of the month when most of their income is spent on travel. Not good.

The very least the council can do in this situation is to develop communal offices in the isles where at least some folk can “work from home” but have access to all the facilities they need.

Savings should be identified by using imagination and creative thinking as to how to pull together resources, not just going for the easy option by targeting those who are unable to do anything about it as they need to earn a living.

Alison Williamson
North Park,
Whalsay.