Ritchie Tells Cameron Bangor Coastguard Station Must Stay Open For Business

, “I have written to the British Prime Minister expressing the deep concerns of people across the North about the proposed closure of our coastguard centre in Bangor due to Tory cuts. “This frontline emergency service has saved countless lives since its establishment, and in the past year alone, its team has dealt with more than 700 incidents from Lough Foyle to Carlingford Lough, including many in South Down. “Local knowledge of operations in stations is fundamental to delivering this efficient service for people here and the same standard simply cannot be delivered from England. “I have sent a clear message to David Cameron that the co-ordinated coastguard station in Bangor is vital and must remain open. “The courage of those who devote time to rescue efforts on our shores must not be taken for granted by government and funding for this centre, the only station in Northern Ireland, therefore must be protected.”]]>