New Quay’s Mersey-class lifeboat will now remain on station until 2021 – a year longer than was previously announced, it has been revealed.

RNLI plans to replace Ceredigion's sole all-weather lifeboat with a smaller Atlantic 85 next year have triggered a storm of criticism.

The RNLI maintain that the smaller boat is 'twice as fast' and 'better suited' to the type of rescues New Quay are called to.

Critics of the plans – including the Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign – say the Atlantic 85 could not be launched in severe weather conditions.

An RNLI source said last week: “There will be a coast review of Cardigan Bay in 2021, so the Mersey is not scheduled to leave until after this coast review.

“However, should the casualty and rescue profile in the area change significantly we can act accordingly.”

Reacting to the news, members of the CLC said they were encouraged that the RNLI's position appeared to be shifting.

“We welcome the RNLI’s decision to extend the service life of New Quay’s current all-weather lifeboat until after the 2021 coast review and we applaud the fact that the RNLI has responded to the concerns of our seafaring community,” said a spokesperson.

“However, we must stress that this is no more than a one-year extension and, at present, it remains the RNLI’s intention to downgrade lifeboat capability when the boat is withdrawn, so our campaign continues.

"The CLC enjoys committed support from our local communities and we have been given a mandate by over 30,000 petition signatories to use all appropriate means in seeking to reverse the RNLI’s decision to remove Ceredigion’s only all-weather lifeboat.

“We remain committed to this objective and we will continue to build a case for the retention of all-weather lifeboat capability beyond 2021.

"It is essential that the 2021 coast review is a meaningful review rather than just a rubber-stamping of the RNLI’s previous decision.

“Unlike the previous review, it must be open and transparent and include a proper consultation process so that the views of local stakeholders are taken into account.

“It must also include a robust risk assessment, which is based on an appropriate data set, and which takes into account the increasing levels of marine activity off the Ceredigion coast.

“The door is no longer locked but we need the public's help to push the door wide open and demand a thorough and open review in 2021.”