THE risk to human life is too great to be ignored if New Quay lifeboat station is downgraded, Ceredigion county councillors were told last week.

Cllr Elizabeth Evans told colleagues that the fight to retain New Quay’s all-weather lifeboat was a campaign in which everyone within the Cardigan Bay community could play a part.

“If this lifeboat is not retained Ceredigion will be the only part of the UK coastline with five inshore lifeboats yet no all-weather capability,” she told Thursday’s meeting of full council.

“That is unacceptable – we must not allow the RNLI to treat this part of the coast any differently.

“Even Leesa Harwood, director of community lifesaving and fundraising at the RNLI, has acknowledged that removal of the all-weather lifeboat is a risk.

“Well, Ms Harwood, we are not prepared to take that risk.”

Cllr Evans made her remarks before her motion calling on the RNLI to overturn its decision was unanimously passed by members.

Part of it read: “The decision of the RNLI will leave a gap in Cardigan Bay of 70 miles.

“The proposed new lifeboat will not be able to launch in conditions exceeding Force 7 in the daytime or Force 6 at night.

“This would mean the inshore lifeboat would only be able to rescue 20 people - whereas an upgraded version could save up to 79 people with the current one saving around 43.

“The inshore Lifeboat will be unable to tow boats larger than 10 metres or travel more than 10 miles from the station.”

Cllr Gareth Lloyd, who seconded the motion, criticised ‘a lack of consultation’.

“Very few issues draw no dissenting voices,” he added. “But I haven’t met a single person who would not support the motion brought before you today – that shows the depth of feeling.”

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