The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has put forward proposals to close 10 of the UK's 18 stations, including Holyhead and Milford Haven. This will leave only Swansea MRCC operational during daylight hours and will mean that after daylight hours, all search and rescue operations throughout Wales will be co-ordinated by a yet-to-be-built Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) in Southampton.

The MCA have been conducting a series of public meetings throughout the country which have resulted in overwhelming opposition to the proposals.

In the face of this fierce countrywide opposition to the plans, the Shipping Minister, Mike Penning MP last week announced a six-week extension of the consultation period for proposals set out to alter HM Coastguard.

Campaigners of Save Milford Haven Coastguard, along with other groups around the UK, have welcomed the extension as a clear indication that issues have to be addressed, particularly safety.

"We feel strongly that lives will be put at risk if the proposals as they stand are allowed to go ahead," said a spokesperson this week.

The Save Milford Haven Coastguard campaign group are working to highlight the flaws in the proposal put forward by the MCA and will hold a second rally in support of Milford Haven Coastguards at the Mackerel Quay, Milford Marina, tomorrow (Saturday), at 11 am. Speakers will include the Environment Minister Jane Davidson.

Members of the public in West Wales are being encouraged to attend the event and also show their support by signing the Milford Haven Coastguard petition.

Currently the total signatures stand at in excess of 10,000. Members of the public can also sign the online petition at http://www.savemilfordhavencoastguard.co.uk">www.savemilfordhavencoastguard.co.uk.

In addition, members of the public are being encouraged to consider and respond formally to the proposals set out on the MCA website: http://www.mcga.gov.uk">www.mcga.gov.uk before the end of the consultation period on May 5.

Further details on the campaign or proposals may be obtained online via the Facebook page: Save Milford Haven Coastguard, by contacting any member of the group or via the hotline number on 01437 700700.

AM WELCOMES EXTENSION TO CONSULTATION

West Wales AM Nerys Evans has welcomed the announcement to postpone the decision on the UK's coastguard service by six weeks after the consultation period was extended.

Nerys is now urging even more people to put their views forward to the Government through the consultation and to sign up to the local petition and send a clear message that the closure plans are unacceptable.

"I very much welcome this decision which gives even more people an opportunity to respond to the consultation," she said. "I would urge the people of Pembrokeshire who are concerned about the safety of our coastline to respond to the consultation and sign the petition so that we can send a clear message that the proposals to close Milford Haven Coastguard station are unacceptable. The campaign so far has been fantastic and has obviously forced the Government to extend the consultation period.

"Many former workers at Milford station have joined the campaign and are making it quite clear that lives could be lost as a result of these reckless proposals. There is no doubt that our coastline will be left exposed to cover that will lack local knowledge as a result of these plans. It is beyond belief to think that during the night-time any incidents will be dealt with from Southampton and that vital extra information that can only come from a detailed knowledge of the area will be lost. We have an opportunity to put a stop to these plans, so let's make the most of the extra time we've got. "