News / 10,000 sign coastguard petition
AT LEAST one third of Shetland’s population has signed the petition calling for the islands’ coastguard coordinating station to be kept open.
The petition was launched after the government announced their plans to close 10 of the UK’s 18 coastguard stations, along with a consultation to choose whether Lerwick or Stornoway should shut or be turned into a day time only service.
On Monday the campaign group Save Our Station (SOS) said they had received a total of 10,000 signatures with more due in. The group hopes to hand the petitions to shipping minister Mike Penning when he visits Shetland this week.
An SOS spokesman said 7,000 people had signed paper petitions in Shetland’s shops, while a further 3,000 signatures had been retrieved online from Shetland, Orkney and beyond.
He said that more paper petitions were due in from Shetland and Orkney by Tuesday afternoon.
The shipping minister’s plans are still unclear. He has promised to visit the western isles, Orkney and Shetland on Wednesday and Thursday this week, but no itinerary had been issued by Monday evening.
Last week the government announced they were extending the consultation for a further six weeks until 5 May.
The House of Commons transport select committee is also holding its own inquiry into the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s plans to close the coastguard stations, end the contract for its four emergency towing vessels and remove the offshore fire fighting service.
The SOS spokesman said that European trade unions representing seafarers have written to Mr Penning condemning the proposals.
The group asked anyone with petitions to hand in to call 01595 692976 or email soscg@shetlandcoastguard.info
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.