Great debate over lifeboat future

Jul 2 2009 by Dan Owen, North Wales Weekly News

I MUST congratulate John Lawson-Reay for his persistence in advocating a new RNLI Station on the Llandudno Sailing Club site.

Very few people disagree with him of the need for a new boathouse. The only difference of opinion is where it should be located.

His letter published in this paper on 25th June 2009 is almost identical in the reasoning as his letter published in October 2008.

And, as at that time, the reasons for rejection then remain the same now. The site is not big enough to accommodate both clubhouse and boathouse; the operational needs of the RNLI would inevitably clash with those of the club particularly when the club hosts major championships and the launching and recovery of boats at high water with any northerly winds, would be a major problem for both groups.

These points have all been made before.

However, he does state that the ‘present club is nearing the end of its life and needs renewing’.

Wrong again! After our recent burst pipe disaster on New Year’s Eve, the club were able to make a full survey of the building and came to the conclusion that there are many years of life left.

The structure is sound and has been well maintained by the members over the years. We are still investigating how we can finance and what can be done, to give us back our view down the Prom now that Venue Cymru has blocked our view of the slipway.

Tony Lockett

President, Llandudno Sailing Club