THE recent tragedy of the loss of the Weymouth fishing boat The Isle of Purbeck and its crew has brought many things home.

For those of us who live and work along the Dorset coastline the search and rescue helicopter and The Portland Coastguard Team play an important part in keeping those who work and play in and on the sea safe from harm.

Sadly with the Isle of Purbeck fishing boat they were lost before anyone knew that they were in trouble, but nevertheless the helicopter and the Coastguards played a vital role in finding the casualties.

At a time when we are about to show the world what wonderful watersport facilities we have along the Dorset coast we need to question why the government are looking to close down the Coastguard unit and the helicopter service.

What most people do not know is that these closures can be challenged in the House of Commons if they each receive 100,000 signatures, epetitions are an effective way to influence government and Parliament in the UK. Portland and Swanage each has roughly 12,000 residents and Weymouth around 70,000.

Add to that holidaymakers who visit this area regularly, we can stop these closures.

To try and stop the closure of the MCA Coastguard Station please visit http://epetitions/4403 To stop the closure of the Portland Coastguard Helicopter http://epetitions/30225

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