A NEW state-of-the-art pontoon which will allow easier access to and from the Lowestoft lifeboat is being put in place.The structure, which is currently being installed at the RNLI lifeboat station on the South Pier, uses water ballast to control its height in the water so that it rises and lowers according to the tide to be level with the lifeboat.

A NEW state-of-the-art pontoon which will allow easier access to and from the Lowestoft lifeboat is being put in place.

The structure, which is currently being installed at the RNLI lifeboat station on the South Pier, uses water ballast to control its height in the water so that it rises and lowers according to the tide to be level with the lifeboat.

Lifeboat press officer Mike Richford said: 'It will help our volunteer crew because they can have easier access on and off the boat in all weathers. It is a major investment for our station'

Coxswain John Fox said that the new pontoon will help the crew get fuel, water and equipment on and off the boat. 'If we are bringing people back on the lifeboat who are on stretchers, we can use this pontoon as a ramp to get them off the boat more easily,' he said.

The harbour area was dredged before the pontoon was brought into place and work is expected to be finished early next week.