A GOVERNMENT minister has attempted to calm fears over the gap in coastguard helicopter coverage in Dorset.

It comes after the withdrawal of the Portland-based coastguard helicopter earlier this month.

Dorset is now covered solely by rescue helicopters from bases out of the county, with the nearest being 60 miles away at Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax wrote to John Hayes, minister of state for transport legislation and maritime, urging a rethink on the Portland helicopter decision, warning of a 'huge gap' in search and rescue coverage along the Dorset coast.

However Mr Hayes said the south coast "continues to be very well served by SAR helicopters", and makes mention of a new base in Lydd, Kent.

Mr Drax said: “Obviously, I am disappointed, though unsurprised by this response.

"As a result of the loss of the Portland helicopter, there will continue to be a capability gap at the centre of the busiest SAR area in the country and, as I’ve said many times before, no matter how new and fast a helicopter is, it cannot be in two places at once."

He added: "The diving incident, which occasioned the letter to the minister, was, I fear, a harbinger of things to come, although I sincerely hope not."