News / Coastguard review may be challenged
PLANS to reform the coastguard service and close eight coastguard stations around the country may yet be challenged in the courts.
Campaigners in Wales are already seeking legal advice about a judicial review, and it is understood supporters of the stations in Thames and Liverpool are considering similar steps.
Shetland coastguard were also considering taking further action if the government approved MCA plans to close the Lerwick co-ordinating station, but on Tuesday shipping minister Mike Penning confirmed that the station will remain open 24 hours a day.
The government has given the MCA clearance to close the stations at Forth, Clyde, Great Yarmouth, Liverpool, Thames, Swansea, Brixham and Portland by March 2015.
If the High Court decides the process by which that decision was taken was illegal or not procedurally correct, the government and the MCA could be forced to start the whole review again from scratch.
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