Last updated at 12:26, Friday, 31 August 2012

Work on the new Maryport Inshore Rescue station could begin in October.

Members are now appealing for more volunteers to join the rescue team.

Mike Messenger, station officer, said: “It has taken us the best part of 10 years to get this sorted. Various schemes have been proposed and fallen through but this is fantastic.

“We will be able to respond much quicker than at the moment and all our equipment will be to hand.

“Now we are getting a bigger premises we can accommodate extra crew and we are looking for anyone who can bring something to the table to get involved.”

The rescue service is benefiting from part of a £1.2 million grant from Britain’s Energy Coast. Part of the money will be used to build the new £320,000 station, with £47,000 from North and West Cumbria Fisheries Local Action Group.

The team has 13 crew members and around 20 volunteers.

The building will house the crew’s two rescue vehicles, two boats and tractor. It will also have a training room, crew room and toilet facilities.

Planning permission was granted by Allerdale council in July and it is hoped that work will begin in October.

Anyone interested in joining the crew or volunteering for the charity can contact the boathouse on 01900 812225.

First published at 11:54, Friday, 31 August 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk