The head of the Maritime Coastguard Agency has visited Falmouth to discuss controversial plans to downgrade the town’s coastguard station.

Sir Alan Massey spoke with workers at the facility this morning, and listened to their views on the plan which could see the centre operating during daylight hours only.

The proposals would see a reduction of the UK’s coastguard stations from the current 18 to just eight, with only three staying open for 24 hours a day.

The plans have raised fears the safety of seafarers could be put at risk if the expert knowledge of the staff at Falmouth is lost.

Speaking after the meeting, Sir Alan said: “I am not putting safety at risk, I would not do that. As a former seafarer with more than 30 years experience, I understand what these changes will mean, and they will not affect safety.

“The Falmouth coastguard is very proud of the local knowledge they have, but that knowledge is also held by other agencies such as the lifeboat service, and I am convinced this future model will still have that resource.”

However, James Instance, manager at Falmouth, said staff at the station had not given up hope of changing the plans.

He said: “We do not want to be operating on our own, and understand the need for change and integration, but do not understand why we should be taking the risk of ending night cover here.

“The staff here, while disappointed that we are set to be downgraded under the consultation document produced, we will be putting forward our own proposals and are hopeful they will be looked at with an open mind.”