A VITAL lifeboat station is set to come to Worcester.

Empty buildings on Diglis island, adjoining Diglis lock and weir, will be transformed into a lifeboat headquarters to help emergency services and save lives.

Voluntary group Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue (MISAR) has been given the go-ahead for the station by British Waterways.

At the moment it has to drive from Upton-upon-Severn and drag boats down the river and canal banks at Worcester, but a slipway at the Diglis site will save valuable time.

Trained crews from the 31-strong volunteer group and fully equipped boats could be operating from the site in less than six months.

Dave Walker, team leader for MISAR, said waters around Diglis weir were among the most dangerous in the UK and the lifeboat station has been much needed for some time.

He said: “When a person’s life is at risk, time cannot be wasted. For a number of years, launching boats in Worester has been difficult. This will change that.”

In August, Upton-based MISAR crews were called to help firefighters after a canoeist got stuck on the Worcester weir.

“There was a problem getting our boats launched,” said Mr Walker, who formed the group in 2005.

“Without a slipway we have to drag our boats down the bank. That takes a long time and can also damage the boat. We have gone up to Barbourne and launched there, but the boats face a chicane of sharp bends and, again, it takes a long time.”

Alec Mackie, spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are always grateful to groups such as MISAR that can offer professional assistance to frontline emergency services and I’m sure the public are as well.”

During the 2007 summer floods, MISAR helped rescue 67 people. Last weekend, crews finished raising a 30ft cruiser that had sunk in the river Avon at Tewkesbury and, since it formed in 2005, the group has rescued countless animals from waterways and helped police search for missing people.

They hope to have the station open and full operational by January 2009. Eventually, two boats will be based at Diglis. Mr Walker wants more Worcester-based volunteers. They can call MISAR on 01684 593999.