Coastguard closures will risk lives, MPs are told

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SHUTTING coastguard stations, including Brixham, threatens safety and risks lives, MPs have heard.

 

It came as a select committee report was presented to Parliament which branded the plans for the rescue service, which would see ten of the 18 centres close and a further five only open during the day, as seriously flawed.

 

The cross-party Transport Select Committee called for the proposals to be ditched.

 

Speaking in the Commons, committee chairman Louise Ellman said the plans jeopardised safety.

 

Presenting her committee's latest report in the Commons, Mrs Ellman said: "The overwhelming views of members of all parties, regardless of whether their constituency happens to include a coastguard centre, has been one of deep concern."

 

She admitted modernisation of the 'essential emergency service' was 'desirable', but said it was unclear if technology could compensate for the loss of local knowledge.

 

"Reducing the number of full-time, maritime rescue co-ordination centres drastically would reduce the quality and rate of exchange of information, particularly at critical points when information must be passed swiftly to save lives," she said....................

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