PLANS to improve Galloway’s Pier in North Berwick have been welcomed.

East Lothian Council, working closely with North Berwick Harbour Trust Association (NBHTA), has submitted a planning application to carry out remedial works to the pier, which stretches out north from the harbour, following a survey last spring, where it was discovered that improvements should be made as soon as possible to maintain current operations.

The pier allows boat operators to pick up passengers when the tide is too low for them to enter the harbour.

As well as plans to improve structural adequacy, the method statement which accompanies the application proposes to extend and heighten the pier. The work includes increasing the plan area of the pier from its current 14m by 16m dimensions to 16m by 20m and widening the access path from 1m to 2m.

Gerry Hughes, NBHTA chair, said: “We hope to have work started in spring and completed by early July.

“NBHTA are working closely with fishermen and commercial boat owners to bring them up to speed with what’s going on and the impact it will have on their business over the summer.” Tom Brock, chief executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: “It is an important part of the infrastructure for all boats that operate at the harbour: commercial, leisure and tourist. It is important for all boats to operate effectively.” A public notice announcing the plans suggests the cost could be anywhere between £50,000 and £2million.