SOS over lifeboat house

PLANS to demolish the historic Newhaven Lifeboat house have come under fire.

Local history enthusiast Leonard White, of Hillcrest Road, was horrified when he heard the building was to be knocked down.

He said: 'This building is a very important part of the history of Newhaven Harbour and the long service given by the RNLI.

'It stands as a tribute to the local men who have dedicated themselves to saving lives at sea in war and peacetime, for those in peril, over many years.'

In its heyday people would line the quayside after the maroons were set off to watch the Lifeboat glide dramatically down its ramp and splash into the water to aid stricken seafarers.

Mr White said this symbol of Newhaven's maritime heritage should be incorporated into the new West Quay area. 'Surely it is not beyond the wit and imagination of Sea Containers and the planning authorities to retain this famous building within the new development, as an important feature enhancing the vision of the overall concept.

'It would be a feather in the cap of the developers to pay such respect to the human dedication for which the old lifeboat house stands.'

A Sea Containers spokesman said the boathouse would have to be demolished to make way for a new lifeboat station.