South Dorset MP Richard Drax to give evidence to government (From Dorset Echo)
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South Dorset MP Richard Drax to give evidence to government
12:00pm Friday 26th October 2012 in News
SOUTH Dorset MP Richard Drax has been called to give evidence to a government committee examining the proposed closure of the Portland Coastguard helicopter.
Mr Drax will give evidence to the inquiry by the Commons Transport Select Committee on Monday, November 5.
Last month, Mr Drax submitted a 12-page report on the proposed changes to the coast-guard service being implemented in the area and their potential impact on search and rescue.
His report concluded that it would be ‘sheer folly’ to cut the Portland helicopter.
He said: “It’s good news and I hope it means they’re taking a critical approach to a decision which could adversely affect the lives of all of who live on, work on or visit the south coast.”
Mr Drax is campaigning to get 100,000 signatures on a petition to save the helicopter. Visit epetitions.direct.gov. uk/petitions/36619 to sign.
Comments(3)
ChrisBC
says...
2:49pm Fri 26 Oct 12
please sign e-petition
http://coastguardsos
.com/portland/
SAVE 50% COASTGUARD STATIONS from CLOSURE:
http://coastguardsos
.com/
coastalJoe
says...
10:40pm Mon 29 Oct 12
Coastguard Officer's confidence at an all time low as the service experiences 15-25% UNDERSTAFFING due to disillusionment.
Remaining staff under immense pressure as Flank stations close before proper local knowledge transferred.
Technical infrastructure failures and broken assurances give rise in increasing alarm with all sectors of coastal users.
New Shipping Minister and MCA CEO blindly state that everything is fine & going to plan... sending a clear message to all concerned that they have lost the plot!
Additional evidence by Richard Drax MP will surely add more nails in the coffin of the closure plan, because if 50% of MRCC's close along with vital helicopter bases like Portland, then tragedy will strike and there will nails in real coffins instead.
For more info ... Google Coastguard SOS
ChrisBC says...
2:40pm Fri 26 Oct 12
http://epetitions.di
rect.gov.uk/petition
s/36619 Thank you