Coastguard Closure Battle continues
A new group within the framework of the National Coastguard SOS Campaign Group has been formed in Great Yarmouth to fight Shipping Minister Mike Penning’s ambition to disband Havenbridge House as part of the government plan to reduce the UK’s Coastguard stations from the current 19 down to 11. The Thames Coastguard station at Walton-on-the-Naze is also targeted to be axed.
The House of Commons’ Transport Select Committee (TSC) is currently investigating the closure plan and how the changes are being implemented.
Dennis O’Connor, of the National Coastguard SOS Campaign, said: “We are delighted there is a fresh groundswell of opposition and we intend to offer our full support to the new campaign group as we fight for the retention of the station at Yarmouth. The key message is that it’s not too late. The decision by the TSC to further investigate the closure plan is an indication of the level of concern.”
For details on the Coastguard SOS campaign see their website at www.coastguardsos.com
