Farron celebrates arrival of new rescue vehicles at Arnside

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that coastguard chiefs are to provide new rescue vehicles following his campaign for a replacement for the Arnside rescue boat.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency removed the boat for repair six months ago which sparked a cross-community campaign led by Tim Farron. Two jet-skis with stretcher and passenger carrying capacity and a "seacat" caterpillar rescue vehicle are now in place at Arnside and coastguard volunteers are in the process of being trained to use them. Mr Farron also persuaded the Transport Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick MP, to hold an inquiry into the loss of the rescue services at Arnside.

Along with local councillors Ian Stewart and Pru Jupe, Mr Farron has gathered over 1,000 signatures for his petition calling for the return of a rescue vehicle at Arnside. As a result of this pressure, the Coastguard Agency has now agreed to provide the jet-skis and the "seacat", however there is still concern that a boat is also needed to provide the fullest range of rescue options for all weather conditions.

Commenting Tim said:

"Safety must be a priority when it comes to dealing with the type of dangerous tidal movements which led to the 2004 tragedy at Morecambe Bay particularly as the busy tourist season is now with us.

"We should all be really encouraged that our campaign has brought this success, but we must continue to press for a boat for those rescuers where a boat will be the most appropriate vehicle."