Monday 20 December 2010

Stornoway v Lerwick coastguard survival battle

In the latest round of cutbacks instigated by the UK coalition government, either Stornoway Coastguard station or Shetland Coastguard in Lerwick will close forever.

Earlier this month Lerwick which employs 30 people had been told the news that it would close leading to widespread anger in the isles and beyond, however a consultation process on which should close is now ongoing.

This news comes on top of the decision last month to cut the coastguard emergency tugs from around the UK coast.

It really should not have to come to two stations fighting each other for the right to survive and provide life saving duties to mariners as well as the general public. Both should remain open to cover the vast areas of coast and ocean which they cover, as whichever one loses will be devoid of local knowledge in that specific area.

At this late stage common sense should prevail and the decision should be scrapped, however the outlook is bleak for one set Coastguard teams in the coming weeks.


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