MORE than 200 campaigners turned up at New Quay’s Tabernacle Chapel on Saturday to urge the RNLI to reconsider its decision to downgrade Ceredigion’s only all-weather lifeboat and replace it with an inshore lifeboat that is unable to launch in bad weather.

The audience heard from experts in the field of maritime risk assessment and video messages of support were shown from local school children, well known faces from across the country and from people whose lives had been saved by New Quay lifeboat.

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake voiced his fears at the RNLI's decision which followed a coastal review.

He said: “The RNLI has failed to realise the genuine concerns in the area about the consequences of this decision. Every single level of political representation is united in opposition to this decision.

“Any charity depends on the good will and faith of the public, and the way in which they have handled the whole process does not paint the RNLI in a good light. I fear it could cause lasting damage to the reputation of the RNLI in West Wales.”

Elin Jones AM added, “The RNLI may think that campaigns such as this fizzle out and die away. This is not going to happen in this community because the community is concerned about the future and the next generations.

“We are not going to go quietly. We cannot have our coastline without all-weather lifeboat provision.”

Lord Harris of Pentregarth added his support, “The all-weather lifeboat has been a feature of New Quay for as long as anyone can remember. And it has been there for good purpose. It can go out in all weathers in a way that the proposed Atlantic 85 cannot do. I fully support the campaign to save the lifeboat.”

Jim Evans, CEO of the Welsh Fishermen’s Association expressed the concerns of local fishermen.

He said: “Fishermen are extremely concerned. This puts lives at risk. There are no service stations, there are no other emergency provisions that can help them in their time of need.

“It’s a genuine concern. Safety is paramount in the fishing industry. We are working tirelessly to improve safety and it seems incredible that this is counterproductive.”

Captain David James, former Head of Safety at the Department of Transport, has had a boat in New Quay for 50 years and voiced concerns based on his own experiences, “On two occasions I’ve had to use the lifeboat. One occasion was on a lee shore when they towed us off and the other when the boat was dismasted, both in very stormy conditions. An inshore boat would not have been adequate.”

Huw Williams of the Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign said, “We would like to thank everyone that helped make the public meeting a huge success. We have been overwhelmed with offers of practical and financial support, with many people signing up as Friends of the Campaign.

“The strength of feeling shown at the meeting clearly demonstrates that our community is united in its opposition to the RNLI’s cost cutting plans.”

Mr Williams added, “This is just the start for us. We have a number of events and initiatives planned for the coming months and we will do all that we can to reverse a decision that puts lives at risk.”

The RNLI were invited to send a spokesperson but declined to attend.

To find out more about the campaign to save New Quay’s all-weather lifeboat, visit www.ceredigionlifeboatcampaign.org.uk