MEMBERS of the Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign are holding a public meeting at New Quay’s Tabernacle Chapel on Saturday, 12 May, at 2pm.

The move follows last summer’s shock announcement by the RNLI that they plan to replace New Quay’s all-weather Mersey-class lifeboat with a smaller Atlantic 85 inshore craft in 2020.

Campaigners say the smaller boat would be unable to launch in bad weather, while the RNLI insist the new lifeboat will allow crews to respond quicker and travel further to help those in trouble at sea.

To date, over 20,000 people have signed a petition opposing the RNLI’s plan and the campaign has gained the support of a number of prominent politicians and public figures, with Ceredigion MP Ben Lake drawing the Prime Minister’s attention to the issue during last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions.

Richard Taylor, chair of the Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign, urged members of the local community to show their support.

“Help us fill Tabernacle Chapel for what will be a very enjoyable, memorable and significant move to persuade the RNLI’s top people to think again,” he said.

“As well as being a generously-spirited voice of protest and an illustration of the strength of feeling in the county, the public meeting will be a celebration of the contribution made by present and past crews; those who have helped to build the reputation of the RNLI.”

Speakers at the meeting include Mr Lake and AM Elin Jones.

The event will also feature video input from supporters, including people rescued by New Quay’s lifeboats, together with presentations, music and song.

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