TODAY is D-Day for those campaigning to safeguard the future of Holyhead coastguard station.
Anglesey AM Ieuan Wyn Jones said that it was important that the UK Government hears a clear a message that "we want Holyhead Coastguard open 24/7."
The Martime Coastguard Agency (MCA) consultation on the plans ends today (Thursday, October 6).
Initial modernisation proposals from the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) included cutting the number of UK coastguards stations from 18 to eight, with Holyhead one of the stations to close.
Mr Wyn Jones was glad that the MCA ditched plans to close Holyhead station after strong public opposition for its revised proposals earlier this year.
“I sincerely hope that this decision is adhered to," he said.
Mr Wyn Jones believed that it was still important for the public to give their views on the new plans, which would see Liverpool and Swansea coastguard stations close.
“I don’t want to see any coastguard station closed, but I won’t be satisfied until the consultation is over and the ink is dry on a new commitment from the Coalition Government in London to keep Holyhead coastguard station open 24/7,” he said.
“The Government has changed its mind once and in the face of powerful campaigns from all over the UK, they could always do another U-turn.
"I believe an overwhelming public response to this second consultation is still required to help secure the future of our Coastguard Station in Holyhead.”
Former Labour Welsh Government candidate Joe Lock, who led protests to keep Holyhead station open, said that one of the consultation questions pitted Holyhead against Liverpool.
“It’s very important that Holyhead makes its case again, an it’s a very good case, with the Welsh language, Welsh place names, the experience of the staff and their knowledge of the very unique coastline, and the cross-agency work which they do,” he said.
“It’s very important that we don’t lose that.”
To contribute to the consultation, visit the MCA’s website at www.dft.gov.uk/mca.