News / Coastguard consultation extended
UK SHIPPING minister Mike Penning, who authorised the plans to close 10 of Britain’s 18 coastguard stations and reduce six to a daytime only service, will be in Shetland next week.
The announcement was made as the government announced they were extending the consultation on closing either Shetland or Stornoway coastguard coordinating station by six weeks.
The government confirmed on Thursday that Mr Penning would visit all three Scottish island groups over a two day period next Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the controversial plans to close the coastguard stations and remove the fleet of four ocean going rescue tugs.
Shetland Islands Council was told two weeks ago that the minister would be visiting in mid March, but the dates were only confirmed on Thursday.
The government had still to organise flights so the actual date of the visit remains unclear as of Thursday evening.
Whenever he arrives, Mr Penning will expect to come under considerable attack from campaigners in all three island groups where feelings are running high about the risks being created by the proposals.
On Wednesday prime minister David Cameron announced that he would personally step into the growing row, insisting that front line services would not be affected by the changes.
The Conservative leader may be sniffing an embarrassing climbdown after the unprecedented scale of resistance to the government’s plans nationwide.
Last month the House of Commons transport sub committee announced they would be holding an inquiry into all the MCA proposals, which include the station closures, the loss of the tugs and the removal of the offshore fire fighting service.
On Thursday the Maritime & Coastguard Agency confirmed that they were extending the consultation on the proposal to close either Lerwick or Stornoway coastguard co-ordinating stations for another six weeks.
The consultation had been due to end on 23 March, but will now continue until 5 May.
That decision was welcomed by northern isles MP Alistair Carmichael, who said it showed that it was a genuine consultation.
“It is only right that everyone with an interest in the future of the coastguard should have the chance to comment on the proposals that have been put forward and I am pleased that the consultation period has now been extended,” he said.
“I think everyone recognises that with something as vital as our emergency services, it is more important to get reforms right rather than implement them quickly. What this decision underlines is the fact that this is a genuine consultation and ministers are approaching the issue with an open mind.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
