Motorists’ causeway too many problems
More than £42,000 of the British taxpayer’s money was spent on sea rescues at Holy Island in the past three years. The following statistics are alarming, to say the least.
The rescues cost Seahouses RNLI an alarming £1,200, which, like the RAF, includes; fuel, maintenance, crew costs, training and equipment.
So, with the amount of trouble motorists cause by not checking the tide times, it is not surprising that the people who live on Lindisfarne have come up with a solution to stop the motorists getting stuck. They have suggested that electric gates are put up to stop motorists crossing when there is water on the causeway.
The amount of money spent rescuing motorists who ignore advice about checking crossing times could be used for example renewing equipment, recruiting new crew members and could even be put towards a new lifeboat.
If I had my way, I would rescue them but they would be issued with a court summons and I would make them pay for the services that had to be used due to their ignorance.
So, if you are thinking of planning a trip across to Holy Island, please check the crossing times before you set off. They can be found online at www.northumberlandlife.org/holy-island.
Jennifer Allan
