Coastwatch crew appeals for help to fund repairs

Volunteers at a coastwatch tower in Cornwall have said they are struggling to raise money for repairs.

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) lookout at St Agnes Head needs a new power system to replace ageing solar panels and the failure of its wind turbine.

The lookout is off the grid and it is estimated £14,000 is needed to replace its power system.

But volunteers said the cost of living crisis meant people had less money to give to charities and has launched a crowdfunding appeal.

The lookout is one of 13 on the Cornish coast providing "eyes on the scene" for the coastguard and search and rescue services.

Volunteers at St Agnes Head said they had been assisted in life-saving emergencies involving kayakers, fishing boats, paragliders and walkers.

Debbie Edwards, NCI sector manager for Cornwall, said it had been "very difficult" to raise funds for the repairs needed to carry out their work.

"Once upon a time I could go to Morrisons at Newquay and we've raised over £700 in two days," she said.

"Now if you raise £200 you are very lucky and that is because people just haven't got the money."

Mark Weston, training manager at the lookout, said the rise in the pension age was also contributing to a lack of volunteers.

He said: "There are a lot of charities, there are a lot of good causes out there looking for volunteers.

"We are competing in a very tight space, which doesn't make our life any easier."

Andy Brelsford, from Volunteer Cornwall, a charity dedicated to promoting volunteerism, said the cost of living crisis was causing major problems for the sector.

He said: "In the 20 odd years I've worked in the sector this is the most difficult period I've known.

"The general cost of doing business are continuing to rise and, at the same time, lots of charities rely on public donations for their income.

"As the public pull back on spending, there is less money going to charities."

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