Labour condemn Brixham Coastguard closure

 Torbay Labour Party has condemned the decision to close Brixham Coastguard.

Labour chair, Councillor Darren Cowell, has said he fears lives will be put at risk with the loss of local knowledge.

I am horrified that the Coalition government has taken the decision to close Brixham and other stations.  The loss of local knowledge could lead to delays in a rescue and the potential for loss of life. It appears that the government will not be having a full consultation on this issue, only those items that have changed.  As Brixham was ear-marked for closure there is a fear that the voices of the many, many thousands of local residents – and visitors – will be ignored. I hope that there will be such an outcry in South Devon and a demonstration of support for our Coastguard – the Westminster Coalition will have to take notice. I am pleased that plans are already being made for a major public meeting to show the depth of feeling on this huge blow for Brixham, Torbay and South Devon as a whole.

Cllr Cowell added:

There has been huge support for our Coastguards since the first threat of closure was announced, I genuinely believe that there continues to be cross-party support and more importantly widespread community and business support for Brixham to remain open.