Views of threatened Devon coastguards 'will be heard'

The Brixham coastguard station covers Devon, Cornwall and part of the English Channel

Views of coastguards at a Devon station under threat will be taken on board during consultations, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) says.

The government plans to reduce 18 UK stations to eight as part of savings plans. Brixham is one facing closure.

On a visit to Brixham, MCA chief executive Sir Alan Massey said he tried to reassure staff and explain the reasoning behind the proposals.

Critics of the plans said any closures would cost jobs and put lives at risk.

The government said the plans were part of a national reorganisation to modernise the service and save money.

During his visit, Sir Alan said: "I was able to, I think, reassure them [staff] in one sense in that I'm prepared to listen to what they say and take it into account."

If Brixham does close, the nearest stations to cover the south Devon and east Cornwall coast, plus that part of the English Channel, will be Falmouth and Southampton, more than 200 miles (320km) apart.

'Taken seriously'

Critics of the plans - including unions, fishermen and water user's groups - said they were concerned about the loss of local knowledge if stations were closed and emergency calls were answered at stations elsewhere.

Sir Alan said local knowledge was an issue which was "being taken seriously".

He said: "We would not want to be putting seafarers at any more risk than they are at the moment."

The 14-week consultation on the plans is running until 24 March.