Fixed Link campaigner Carl Feeney has stated that he’s lifting both the time and donation limit to raise funds for the ‘Solent Freedom Tunnel’ viability study, proposed by infrastructure giant ARUP.
The time limit for fundraising was originally set as 31st January 2019, providing that no attempts of ‘sabotage’ or ‘discrediting the process’ should occur. However, that time limit has now been lifted, as has the upper donation limited of £2,000.
It has been revealed that a total of £17,500 has been raised by the crowdfunding campaign thus far, meaning there is still over £100,000 to be pledged to allow the viability study to progress to the next stage.
Mr Feeney says:
“Unfortunately, it has become apparent that certain individuals have been claiming that the fundraising is a ‘scam’ and that the Solent Freedom Tunnel scheme is simply just impossible and unviable. There are many individuals who wish to obstruct this study because the outcome is obvious – the Solent Freedom Tunnel is feasible, viable and possible”.
Bob Seely MP recently wrote a letter to the Minister for Transport to ask whether the cross Solent ferry companies could be regulated or nationalised after 17,000 signed a petition to have this explored. The reply stated that these options to control the companies were not possible.
Addressing this, Carl has said:
“With no options to control the privately run ferry companies confirmed, they can and will be seeking to increase their profits in future by further fare rises and schedule cuts. Their loyalty is to the shareholders and share price, not islanders.”
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Island Echo has tonight asked Carl why there has been a slowing of the amounts raised for the study.
Mr Feeney explained:
“I believe there are many reasons. Some people are hesitant to donate because of the discrediting comments by individuals on social media, who appear determined to deny islanders the truth about the fixed link possibility. Also, people find it hard to donate during the Christmas period.
“The donation limit of £2,000 may be creating a feeling that big businesses or donators are unlikely to contribute heavily, so that has also been lifted.”
Asked whether there would be an extended time limit to another date, Carl said:
“No, there is now no time limit. Foul play has changed the rules. The fundraising will continue indefinitely until the £130,000 is reached.
“ARUP has confirmed that the study offer is open ended. Once the amount has been reached, ARUP will be procured to perform the study.
“The conclusions will decide whether we go forwards with a Solent Tunnel or make do with ferry travel as our only options to cross the Solent in future”.
More information about the viability study and the crowdfunding campaign can be found at www.solentfreedomtunnel.co.uk.
