THE campaign to save the all-weather lifeboat at New Quay continue to gather support with the Welsh Government now weighing in to the debate.

In June, the RNLI announced plans to downgrade New Quay lifeboat station in 2020, replacing the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat with an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, citing costs of £8 million to retain all-weather capability.

Campaigners fighting that proposal say the RNLI’s decision will leave a gap of nearly 70 miles between all-weather lifeboat stations in an area frequented by fishing vessels, passenger boats and leisure craft.

A petition opposing the proposal has so far attracted more than 15,000 signatures both on line and in hard copy.

Now Ceredigion AM Elin Jones has raised her concerns about the RNLI plan with the Welsh Government and has received a reply from Lesley Griffiths, the cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs.

Mr Griffiths wrote: “Thank you for your letter regarding the concerns of the RNLI volunteers in New Quay.

“I too share your concerns. The safety of our fishing industry is a key concern of mine and while fishing will always be an inherently dangerous occupation, it is imperative we do all we can to improve the safety of our operations …

“Whilst I am unable to intervene in the decision I have asked my officials to reiterate our concerns and seek clarification from the RNLI regarding its decision.”

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, who has already voiced his concerns over the plan, has again met with campaigners to keep up to date with developments.

Mr Lake raised the issue recently in Parliament and has also now written to Chris Grayling, the secretary of state for transport, highlighting his fears if the all-weather boat was lost.

In his letter, he wrote: “This decision not only place casualties, seafarers and RNLI crews at unacceptable risk but also directly contradicts the RNLI’s own central mission statement ‘to reach at least 90 per cent of all casualties within 10 nautical miles of the coat, within 30 minutes of a lifeboat launch – in any weather’.

“I would be most grateful if you could detail the UK Government policy and expectations on all-weather lifeboat provision and whether this particular decision should be reconsidered as a consequence.

“There is considerable concern in Ceredigion regarding the proposed decision.”