THE Secretary of State for Transport defended the government’s decision to axe Portland’s Search and Rescue Helicopter on her visit to the borough.

Justine Greening, who arrived yesterday to highlight the Olympic transport plans, also attended a private meeting with coastguard staff and South Dorset MP Richard Drax at the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination centre at Osprey Quay.

Speaking at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Miss Greening described the government’s decision not to maintain the life-saving craft after 2017 as ‘making the right changes.’ She said: “We’ve thought really carefully about this whole issue, safety around our coast is massively important.

“The first thing we’re going to be doing is investing in brand new helicopters.

“The Sea King has reached the end of its life and we’re going to have much better, state-of-the-art helicopters that can respond far faster.

“The average response time will go from 23 minutes to 19 minutes – this has been independently verified.It will mean the coastguards have a much better chance of getting to incidents faster.”

However Portland Coastguard uses the modern AW139 made by Augusta Westland.

She added “I’ve got to look at what I think will not just improve safety here across the whole of the coastline, I’m confident after a very careful assessment that we’re making the right changes.”

Miss Greening said a move towards central co-ordination would also ensure a ‘far better and faster’ service.

She said she had listened to people’s concerns but added: “Ultimately I have to put in place an approach that will improve the rapid response tune and maximise the amount of risky areas that are covered.”

Mr Drax vowed not to give up the fight to change this ‘catastrophic mistake.’ He said: “If you remove this vital cog in the Search and Rescue cover along the south coast you will destroy the integrity of the cover along the entire south coast - one helicopter supports the other.

“If you narrow it right down to basics then one day those basics will be tested and there will be no helicopter to haul little Jimmy or Granny out of the sea.

“In the sea you’re talking minutes to save a life, especially for a child.”

He added: “It’s ironic that we’ll have the full cover for the Olympics but the moment the Olympics is gone we lose the lot.

“It’s all to do with money but the government’s priorities are wrong.

“This is too important and once it’s gone we won’t get it back.”

District Officer for Portland Coastguard Mark Rodaway said during Miss Greening’s visit to the base she ‘engaged in a comprehensive briefing and wide-ranging discussion on HM coastguard’s co-ordination function.’ He added: “It was a pleasure to host her and to brief her on our work.”

OLYMPIC VISITORS URGED TO STAY AWHILE

THE Secretary of State is encouraging Olympic visitors to stay for several days in Weymouth rather than just making day trips.

Miss Greening paid a visit to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy yesterday to drive home the message that anyone intending to visit should make their travel and accommodation plans now.

She urged visitors to stay for several days during the Olympic sailing events, hosted in the borough from July 29 to August 11, and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Miss Greening said: “If people are thinking of coming to Weymouth, don't just come for a day, book and enjoy a few days. It’s the one time we’ll have the Olympics in the UK and this is the perfect venue to really make the most of it.”

She urged anyone intending to book ahead with train or coach tickets or park and rides for those intending to drive, to ensure they do not miss out.

Miss Greening added: “Frankly if you can't afford London, book a place to come to Weymouth, there’s plenty of stuff going on and the beach.”

Around 60,000 visitors a day are expected in the borough during the Olympics, and the already popular tourist destination is set to experience ‘business as unusual’.

Dorset County Council leader and Olympic Board chairman Angus Campbell said: “It will be unusual, clearly with two weeks of the Olympics coming to the place it’s going to be different.

“Like when you're trying to build 10 years of road improvements in one year that’s difficult. But hosting the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events has enabled us to make huge road and transport improvements across the borough.

“More than £120million has been invested in projects such as the Weymouth Relief Road, intelligent traffic light systems and real-time bus passenger information screens.

“I’d urge everyone to plan their travel and think about their journeys in advance.”

Up to 4,600 people a day will be at the Nothe ticketed site, while around 15,000 spectators without tickets are anticipated at the non-ticked Weymouth Beach Live Site.

Visit GetAheadoftheGames.com, to book accommodation visit visit-dorset.com