Sheryll Murray, MP for South East Cornwall has today welcomed news that a further consultation on coastguards will take place over the Summer. Sheryll has welcomed the announcement that a further consultation will take place on the future of the coastguards once the Minister's proposals have been announced.
Transport Minister, Mike Penning confirmed during an adjournment debate yesterday, that proposals would be announced by the end of July when Parliament breaks up for the summer and that this would be followed by a further consultation.
Speaking after the debate Sheryll said, "The Minister has said the status quo is not an option. I sincerely hope he was referring to the provision of more up to date equipment and not a massive cull in Stations. I am very concerned that the Minister referred to Falmouth and Brixham Coastguard Station being ridiculously close. He is clearly unaware of the individual expertise the staff of each station has.
“Whilst I fully acknowledge the international work undertaken by Falmouth, Brixham is located at the start of the busiest shipping lane in the world and covers from Dodman Point right along the Cornish and Devon coast all the way to Exmouth.
“I know that people like my late husband rely on 24 hour cover at both stations for their safety at sea. It is also important to mention the kayakers, dinghy sailors, wind surfers and beach users who do not have the equipment to allow them to be tracked from afar.
“To use the Minister's own words when talking about fire stations, ‘there is no doubt that local knowledge of topography saves lives’.
“I was surprised to hear the announcement on the London Evening News this evening that the ambulance service system, used as an example of a modern electronic system by the Minister during the March fisheries debate, failed and calls were being recorded using a pen and paper.”
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For further information please contact Sheryll’s office on 01579 344428.