Therese Coffey has today described the RNLI’s decision to remove the all-weather lifeboat from Aldeburgh as a ‘disgraceful outcome’ following the conclusion of a review into the future of the lifeboat station. The RNLI confirmed last night that the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat will be replaced by an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat. Restricting the current capabilities of the station, its crew members and potentially putting lives at risk.
Therese said: “I think this is a disgraceful outcome. I’m really disappointed with the lack of interaction with the local community and how the RNLI has treated its many volunteers who are out there saving lives or are ready to do so. The interaction I’ve had with them has also been less than desirable. I will continue to take this up both with the RNLI leadership and the Charity Commission though to try and ensure it’s not the final chapter for the RNLI and Aldeburgh.”
Therese added: “Whilst the proposed downgrade is disastrous, the way the RNLI leadership has approached this makes me really worried for the longer term too. The people of Aldeburgh are generous, they’ve raised money consistently. Indeed a £2m legacy was given to be focussed here but having been treated the way that they have makes me worried that they won’t be so generous in the future. Especially if there is no clear evidence that money given for Aldeburgh is actually being spent here.”
“In a recent response to my letter, the Charity Commission said they would look into matters once a decision had been made. Now that it has, I will be writing to them again asking them to investigate, as I have real concerns about how money is spent and how the charity is being run. Today though I just feel sorry for the crew members, local donors and the rest of the Aldeburgh community.”
