A group of councillors in Burnham-On-Sea has expressed concerns at cutbacks to the regional Coastguard service announced by the government this week.
Liberal Democrat councillors Joe Leach, Helen Groves and Kate Lawson say the decision to close the regional co-ordinating Coastguard Station in Swansea will lead to more pressure being placed on local marine rescue services such as Burnham’s auxillary Coastguard, BARB and the RNLI.
On Friday, Cllr Leach formally asked the Leader of Sedgemoor District Council to ask the government to re-think the cutbacks.
“I formally asked Cllr Duncan McGinty to write to the Secretary of State to give our concerns, both regarding the pressure put on local Coastguards, but also the lack of local knowledge,” Joe told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“Cllr McGinty stated that he would indeed do this as Sedgemoor shares our concerns.”
“The financial cuts should not affect front-line emergency services like this. Lives will be put at risk.”
Pictured: Liberal Democrat councillors Joe Leach, Helen Groves and Kate Lawson outside Burnham Coastguard station this week
