The planning authority this afternoon approved a permit for upgrading and refurbishment works at the mooring facility in Tal-Veccja area, St Paul's Bay.

The works, which will cover an area of 3,500 square metres will include the construction of a landing facility for fishermen and boat owners, two slipways and a rubble mound infrastructure to further protect the existing breakwater where the wave action has the most impact.

Works will also include the refurbishment of the breakwater’s surface concrete ground slab.

A room, which is covered by a permit, and three existing slipways will be removed. An existing winch will also be relocated.

The Veccja breakwater arm, which had been built in the 1930s, protects the south eastern section of this inlet from the waves and is a popular area for local fishermen who moor their vessels within the bay to offload their catch.