Campaigners fighting to retain New Quay’s all-weather lifeboat have received a glimmer of hope this week after the RNLI seemingly left the door open for further negotiations.

The Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign was formed in July 2017 after the RNLI revealed controversial plans to downgrade New Quay lifeboat station by replacing its Shannon class all-weather lifeboat with a B-class, smaller inshore Atlantic 85.

Opponents say the Atlantic 85 could not be launched in severe weather conditions while the RNLI insist that having all-weather lifeboats at Barmouth and Pwllheli would maintain a "comprehensive" lifesaving service without the need for one at New Quay. 

However, an RNLI statement issued on Monday appears to indicate a softening of their stance and that the gulf between the two sides is narrowing.

“The RNLI respects the active interest the CLC has taken in our decision to replace the all-weather lifeboat at New Quay with an Atlantic 85 and look forward to discussing it further with the group going forward,” it read.

George Rawlinson, RNLI operations director, said a delegation from New Quay had met with RNLI chiefs at their headquarters in Poole, Dorset.

“Working together we will review activity in the New Quay area of Cardigan Bay and scrutinise lifeboat services between 2016 – 2020,” he added.

“The RNLI stands by its decision not to retain New Quay’s all-weather lifeboat  but  meetings with CLC will consider such factors as to whether there are new developments or changes in New Quay’s area of operation.

“It is usual practice for the RNLI to review each part of the coast every five years, so if the demands change, the RNLI respond accordingly.”

Both parties have now agreed to meet regularly going forward "to discuss the Cardigan Bay reconfiguration in the New Quay area".

See this week’s South Ceredigion paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now