Havenbridge House at Yarmouth.

A campaign to save Great Yarmouth’s coastguard station is to hold an open meeting to gather support.

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Last month Norfolk County Council unanimously passed a motion by Paul Rice, county councillor for South Smallburgh, calling on the government to reconsider its decision to close the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre.

Mr Rice said anyone interested in getting involved with or supporting the move to reverse the government’s decision to close the control room 
is invited to an open meeting at County Hall on Monday, February 27, at 6pm.

He said: “We would like any individual, club or organisation with maritime links such as port users, local companies, yacht clubs for example to come along. Also, of course, any Broads users are welcome to attend as they have a vested interest in keeping the control room open too.

“The purpose of the meeting will be to get those interested together and decide on the best way to take our campaign forward.

“I look forward to seeing people on the evening.”

Mr Rice said the decision to close the Havenbridge House control made no sense at all.

“To my mind local knowledge saves lives. There are numerous examples of where this is the case, including only last year when local knowledge helped save the life of a girl buried in the sand.

“What makes no sense either is that there is every likelihood of an increase in demand with more traffic to wind farms, ship to ship oil transfer off the Norfolk and Suffolk coast and increased traffic from Harwich to Zeebrugge.

“You can also add the fact that there is a big increase of ‘stay-cations’ on the Broads and to local beaches to the mix.”

Anyone interested in backing the campaign but who is unable to attend, or who would like further details can contact Mr Rice on 07920 286622 or email paul.rice@norfolk.gov.uk.

emily.dennis@archant.co.uk