A report by the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management advised the Cabinet of a request from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) to assist it in providing a site via a lease for a new Lifeboat Station in a more convenient and practical location for the River Mersey, at the bottom of the former Tower Grounds site.

The existing lifeboat station was at Kings Parade and, in addition, the RNLI operated a hovercraft which was based in a building adjoining the Coastal Drive/Harrison Drive “Pitch and Put” course.  Both sites were leased from the Council.

The Cabinet heard representations from Ward Councillor Tony Pritchard regarding lack of consultation, the expected impact  if the proposal was to go ahead and the possibility of full community consultation being  undertaken by the RNLI before a decision was made.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet requests that the Head of Asset Management asks the RNLI if it would liaise with the Council’s Community Engagement Team with a view to carrying out consultation with local people with the Team’s support.  If the RNLI is amenable to the request, the Head of Asset Management will ascertain the timescale it will adhere to, with assistance from the Community Engagement Team, if required.