ONE business was inspirited by the Echo’s lifesavers campaign to get 160 signatures in just two days.

The Co-Operative Store on Portland Road, Wyke Regis, Weymouth, put out a copy of the petition on their counter and have been overwhelmed by the response of the general public.

More than 160 people signed up to the petition in just two days and since then more residents and holidaymakers have been getting involved.

The company said that as they were in the community and it was an important issue that they wanted their customers to have the chance to have their say.

Store manager Mark Whatley said: “As a community retailer, the opinions of our customers are valued highly. Due to the local sensitivity around this issue, we agreed to offer local people the chance to have their say.”

He added: “I have been surprised by the level of support for this. It’s been very good. People have very strong feelings about it.”

Shopper Sue Hine, 46, from Martleaves Close, said that said the need for a coastguard presence in the area was ‘obvious’.

She said: “The coastguards do a most important job. It’s obvious that we need it here. The campaign is absolutely brilliant.”

Shopper Sarah Edwards, 46, was shopping with her daughter Molly Lomax, seven, and her friend Abigail Webster, also seven. She said that more people should be aware of the campaign and get behind it.

She said: “The coastguard should be here. It’s nice to know they’re nearby and accessible quickly. It makes you feel safe. We spend a lot of time on the beach.”

She added: “Local knowledge helps because they know the area and they know the dangers and the tides.”

Readers can join the campaign in a number of different ways including via Facebook by searching for Portland Coastguard – Save Our Lifesavers or by following links from the Dorset Echo Facebook page.

The petition is available to download from the Dorset Echo website and readers can fill in the coupon below and send it to the office at the Granby Industrial Estate in Weymouth or the Dorchester office in Antelope Walk. Readers can request a paper copy of the petition by calling Catherine Bolado on 01305 830985.