By John Prince
The charity that has been working to fit a security camera on Withernsea seafront that could potentially save lives in the future has confirmed that it is on to the next stage of the process.
The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) in Hornsea has already received planning permission from East Riding Council to put a camera system at Pier Towers, which would be monitored proactively by NCI staff.
Concerns for safety would be relayed by NCI to appropriate emergency organisations along the coast, such as HM Coastguard, to attend and assist.
The camera is to be fitted at the same site where Sarah and Grace Keeling and Mark Ratcliffe lost their lives in the sea tragedy six months ago.
Station manager Kath Robson Jervois from NCI Hornsea said that the required legal documentation to complete the final process had been sent through to be signed and returned. The paperwork had delayed the fitting of the camera.
NCI is already making approaches for grants and support from businesses and local charities. It is also welcoming donations from the public for the camera system, which will cost in the region of £9,000.
The money for the camera is being raised directly through NCI fundraising. Kath said that there has been some misconception that the system was being paid for by the council.
She said: “It’s just a case now of finding out local avenues. We need £9,000. We are meeting the mayor of Withernsea, Kristina [Richardson], to see if she knows of any avenues we can take.
“We are a registered charity and the money is not coming from the council. I’ve seen people saying ‘it’s a waste of council money’ – well, it’s not the council who are paying for it. I don’t want them taking the blame for it.
“We’ve just got to sign these papers and send them back. Then we’re going to need the help and support to try and get funding.”
For further information and to donate, go to nci.org.uk/station/Hornsea or call 01964 530482.