The thought of the UK Coastguard HQ Centres being closed is viewed
solely as a cost cutting exercise from the Government. However in these
times of financial difficulties is it such a wise move to close a
service that helps protect many individuals all around our coastline.
Please remember, these closures will not only effect those sea
faring, but also those enjoying the beaches & nature walks around the
coast to name only 2 simple activities conducted by thousands, of
families all over the UK on a daily basis..
In this modern age of technology, with super fast computers, the
internet and lightening speed broadband, regardless of cost some issues
boil down to the simplicity of local knowledge. Would a Coastguard
officer, on the south coast of the UK be in a position, however well
qualified, to accurately task colleagues in north Wales to the rescue of
boat users, swimmers or walkers that are in difficulties somewhere off
the north Wales coast having received only a very distressed call with
limited information using a few local names, and not necessarily those
names written on a marine chart of os map?
HM Coastguard service needs all the individual stations, would it be
too pedantic to say we actually need more?
There is no firm argument to the positive for the closure of so many
stations other than to save a few pound coins. With financial
uncertainty and economic struggle being a part of peoples lives for a
number of years now, the British public know only too well the need to
save money where ever possible. But the sanity and common sense of
most also appreciate that this cannot be undertaken at the expense of
life saving equipment that serves communities throughout the country.
