As a keen supporter of the campaign to secure the Maritime Operations Centre locally, I would ask people to make sure they write in to HM Coastguard Modernisation Consultation, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Spring Place, Bay 2/13, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton SO15 1EG or visit the website on HM Coastguard Proposals for Modernisation Consultation.

Individual letters and comments count far more than signatures on a petition and really can make a difference. It is worth putting the case forward to persuade the authorities to choose this area for siting the new Maritime Operations Centre (MOC).

The aims for providing a first class coastal rescue service is shared by all who have an interest in these issues. In order to achieve improvement and maintain existing excellence, it is essential that the Maritime Operations Centres are sited in the most suitable areas. And the Weymouth and Portland area is ideally situated.

• As an international sailing centre, the area has good transport links (particularly to Southampton and London).

• As an area for relocation, Weymouth and Portland offers a fine quality of life and the Borough Council is keen to assist staff in moving here.

• This area has a number of sites that would be suitable for the MOC.

Some are in existing buildings, some are places where the MOC could be built, so this area offers technically feasible for the MOC.

• There is a need for economic regeneration in Weymouth and Portland and the siting of MOC here will contribute positively to this endeavour.

Individuals can really help. It is not too late and it is worth the effort to show the widest possible support.

Bill White, Coun for Radipole, W&PBC