All at sea

FURTHER proof that the coalition is all at sea over spending cuts is provided by the nonsensical decision to scale back the number of 24-hour coastguard centres protecting this country’s beaches.

For, if this Government understood the importance of coastal communities, and the dangers posed by crowded shipping lanes, it would not be downgrading the Bridlington coastguard base that covers the entire East Coast from the Scottish borders to the Humber Estuary.

That responsibility, out of normal working hours, will be passed to centres in Aberdeen, Southampton or Dover. This move does not inspire confidence, especially as Ministers have still to convince sceptics that public safety will be enhanced by this so-called efficiency saving.

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In case it has escaped the Government’s notice, accidents along the coast – or at sea – are round- the-clock occurrences, and local knowledge is crucial if a rescue is to be launched swiftly and successfully.

It is now imperative that Ministers rethink their approach before their dogma puts the safety of all sea users at risk.