RNLI drivers are happy

I was surprised and upset to read that An Exmouth RNLI supporter , who is unwilling to be named, had tried to incite fear and uncertainty regarding the new Exmouth lifeboat station ramp.

I was surprised and upset to read that "An Exmouth RNLI supporter", who is unwilling to be named, had tried to incite fear and uncertainty regarding the new Exmouth lifeboat station ramp.

I can only assume he has not taken the trouble to look at the ramp, but merely stir up trouble by making unfounded statements. The ramp is certainly strong enough to withstand the weight of the boat and its trailer.

No piece of concrete larger than a particle has dropped, or is able to drop, through the small gaps between the beams of the ramp. The pieces that have broken are towards the bottom of the ramp, where even particles would only fall a short distance onto the beach.

The only movement of sand is where it has been blown or washed across the surface of the beach. The ramp supports have not moved and, therefore, the superficial damage to the ramp can in no way be attributed to movement of the supports.

Worse still is the "supporter's" allegation that "the crew haven't got confidence in the boathouse".

Speaking as the tractor driver who broke the first piece of concrete from the ramp, I have total confidence in the strength of the ramp and none of the other tractor drivers have any concerns for the safety of the ramp.

I have not spoken to all of the lifeboat crew but, as far as I am aware, none of them has any concerns either.

The only reason for ceasing to use the ramp and, hence the boathouse, was to avoid causing any further damage to the concrete cladding of the beams while the damage is properly assessed and whatever corrective action necessary is taken.

I am happy to append my name to my letter.

Hedley Saunders,

38 Halsdon Avenue, Exmouth.