Whitehaven's coastguard team has controversially moved to a new base – 2.5 miles inland.

The team has transferred from its station at Wellington Lodge, near the harbour, to a new base on the Sneckyeat Industrial Estate.

The new station provides a modern and fit-for-purpose rescue base and will also be a training hub for Cumbrian Rescue teams, says a spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which manages the office.

But the move has previously raised concerns from members of the community.

Following an announcement of the intended move 18 months ago, a Facebook page, Save Whitehaven Coastguard Station, was set up and gained 1,170 supporters.

People claimed there had been a lack of public engagement, and called on politicians to step in and prevent the downgrading of another emergency service.

Concerns were raised that rescue time for call-outs could increase as coastguards moved further inland.

At the time, however, the MCA insisted its team would be able to respond to call-outs in good time.

Details on the move have been quiet for the past few months, but the News & Star can confirm that the coastguard moved into its new base this month.

An MCA spokesman said: “The new station space provides a modern and fit for purpose rescue base which can house the local team and two full-time members of staff. The site will also become a centralised training hub for the Cumbrian Rescue teams to enable closer working relationships between teams and other emergency services.”

He added: “Final fitting out of the building is in the final stages and the new facility includes three rooms, a large garage and is designed to accommodate rope, water and search equipment.

"The equipment can be moved easily in and out of the building by utilising a 4x4 rescue vehicle and trailer. It’s within close proximity to the coast and main arterial road network which allows us to respond quickly to emergencies and incidents as and when they happen.”