Changes to coastguard service revealed 23/11/11
Stornoway Coastguards will be saved in a revamp of the network, Shipping Minister Mike Penning has reconfirmed
The proposal to axe the Stornoway station resulted in public outrage which forced the UK Government to back down in July.
Mr Penning revealed changes to create a nationally networked system of coastguard
co-
There will be eight Coastguard Centres, all operated on a 24 hour basis, located at Falmouth, Milford Haven, Holyhead, Belfast, Stornoway, Shetland, Aberdeen and Humber. The station at London is also retained.
However, Western Isles maritime emergencies may not necessarily be co-
Mike Penning said: "After many years of uncertainty, these reforms provide a clear plan for the future of Her Majesty’s Coastguard. They will deliver a resilient and fully networked national rescue coordination service. They will make much better use of the talents and skills of our Coastguards and will provide more interesting and rewarding work with better pay.”
Under the plans the coastguard stations at Forth, Clyde, Great Yarmouth, Liverpool, Thames, Swansea, Brixham and Portland will close progressively by 31 March 2015. The centre at Solent will be replaced by the new Maritime Operations Centre.
While a rescue coordination function will no longer be required in these locations,
new coastal operational hubs -
MP Angus Brendan MacNeil said: “There was a lot of work by many people, for myself there were many words – both written and spoken some public, some private all to achieve the one aim, to save the Coastguard Station in Stornoway and I am glad this has been achieved.”