GOVERNMENT plans to close Coastguard stations – including the one covering Dorset – have been described as “unwise and short sighted” by a House of Commons committee.

The transport committee said the proposals “invite disaster” and urged the government to begin a second round of consultation before going any further.

The cost saving measures would reduce the number of 24-hour stations nationwide from 18 to three. Dorset would lose the Portland station and be covered by an expanded “supercentre” at the Solent.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax has been fighting the plans and said: “The government must listen now.

“This report is a collection of views from a lot a sane and sensible people with more experience than me.

“Yes, the centres have to be upgraded, yes we will have to spend money – but salami slicing budgets is not the answer.”

The current proposals are for five sub-centres to work during daylight – the nearest ones would be Falmouth and Swansea.

Poole crab fisherman Chris Mowlem, who is now doing surveys for the proposed offshore windfarm off the Purbecks, said: “If you fall in the water in winter, a few minutes makes the difference between life and death.

“And without the local knowledge, the crews are not going to know the area.”

The closure of Portland station, which has a helicopter station, would put 27 jobs at risk. Christchurch councillors voted to oppose the plans in April.

Poole MP Robert Syms noted that although rescue work is co-ordinated by the Coastguard nationally, most of it is done around the country by the RNLI or by RAF Helicopters.

He said that while Maritime and Coastguard Agency needed to save money, the case for closures had not yet been made.

“If can’t convince people, you need to have another look,” he said.