THE leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council has pledged to lobby the government in a bid to reverse the decision to close the town's coast guard station.

Trevor Wainwright said he would press the government over the controversial decision to axe the base and write to Prime Minister David Cameron and urge him to 'reconsider these dangerous proposals'.

He pledged to take further steps to try and reverse the proposals during the full council meeting on Tuesday, following a question from fellow member Jamie Smith. He asked the leader whether he would lobby the government in light of Yarmouth's aim to become a hub for the offshore shipping and wind turbine industries.

Mr Wainwright replied: 'The answer is yes. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has an important role to play in the future of Great Yarmouth as we draw in offshore business. The increase in coastal traffic will obviously mean an increase of putting lives at risk.'

The coast guard base must shut by June next year, but campaigners are still being urged to add their voice to a 9,000 strong petition against the closure of eight threatened stations across the country, including Yarmouth.

? People have until Tuesday, August 7 to add their name to the petition, which can be signed via www.coastguardsos.com/petition