CEREDIGION MP Ben Lake is to keep up the pressure on the RNLI to reverse its decision to get rid of the all-weather lifeboat at New Quay.

Earlier this year, the RNLI announced its decision to replace the all-weather Mersey-class lifeboat with an Atlantic 85 inshore boat in 2020.

Campaigners fighting the plan 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.

An action group has been set up to fight the decision – Ceredigion Lifeboat Campaign - and more than 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing the move.

Mr Lake, along with AM Elin Jones recently met with the RNLI to outline their concerns.

"The RNLI Lifeboat Station at New Quay has delivered an excellent service for the past 153 years, and its crew needs to be given the correct equipment to continue their life-saving work. This decision will not only affect New Quay but the whole of Cardigan Bay,” said Mr Lake.

"Elin Jones and I met with George Rawlinson, RNLI Operations Director, recently where we conveyed the overwhelming support of the people of Ceredigion to the cause of keeping an all-weather lifeboat at New Quay, which serves about 70 miles of coast.

"I am concerned with the gap, under the current proposals, in all-weather rescue capability for Ceredigion’s coastline after 2020, and will continue discussions with the RNLI in the hope that they will reconsider this decision."

In announcing the decision, an RNLI statement said: “The RNLI understands that this may be disappointing news for New Quay lifeboat crew and the wider community. However after an extensive review the RNLI is confident that an inshore lifeboat is the best and most effective asset for this area looking to the future.

“The RNLI does not see the changes as a downgrading of New Quay’s rescue asset. The decision to change the rescue assets at New Quay from an all-weather lifeboat to an inshore lifeboat follows a regular five-yearly coast review, which considered factors such as the changing demand for search and rescue and the improving capabilities of modern lifeboats. The next coast review will take place in 2021.”