13th October 2011

WEYMOUTH: Council increases efforts to secure coastguard centre

SOUTH Dorset’s bid to be the site of a new Coastguard Maritime Operations Centre has stepped up a gear with Weymouth and Portland council sending an official proposal to Under Secretary of State for Transport Mike Penning.

The proposal is backed by West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council and has been submitted as part of stage two consultation into modernising the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The official proposal highlights South Dorset’s huge advantages and potential benefits as a location for the maritime operations centre.

Weymouth and Portland management committee chairman Councillor Mike Goodman said: “There is a unified support between the councils and huge public backing for a centre in the area. South Dorset has the attributes to rival any location for this centre and we have put together a strong case for consideration.

“I would now like to see the coastguard and Government officials come down and see for themselves what we can offer and what they have to gain by choosing south Dorset.”

Benefits laid out in the bid include established transport links, high speed broadband services and strong links to the maritime sector.

The bid pledges dedicated local authority support and outlines potential public and commercial property available to suit the requirements of the centre with suitable parking space and transport links, significantly reducing capital build costs.

WEYMOUTH: Council increases efforts to secure coastguard centre

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