Understand
Plans submitted for security upgrades at RNLI Poole centre following volunteer abuse
Overview
The RNLI has submitted planning applications to increase security at its Lifeboat Support Centre in Poole following incidents of verbal abuse and security breaches. The charity's staff and volunteers faced hostility and protests after RNLI vessels rescued migrants in the English Channel. The proposed changes include a new entrance lobby and security gates to prevent unauthorised access.
Key points
- Security improvements have been proposed at the RNLI Lifeboat Support Centre in Poole, Dorset.
- The plans submitted to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council include a new entrance lobby and three card-operated security gates.
- The charity faced backlash and protests after its lifeboats rescued 120 migrants off the Isle of Wight in September.
- RNLI volunteers and crew members were targeted on social media and subjected to verbal assaults, leading to the temporary closure of the Poole Old Lifeboat Museum.
- Planning documents cite recent security breaches where unauthorised individuals gained entry by tailgating staff through swipe-card doors.
- The planning proposals are open for public consultation until 14 October.