Thanks to Stephen Cooper from Cowes for sharing this letter with us. The opinions expressed in this letter/article do not necessarily reflect the views of Island Echo.
Like many other island residents, I have been forced to suffer the various disasters that have befallen the new chain ferry. Whilst it has become a standing joke for some it is also having a clear negative effect on the livelihood of others.
Most people probably quite rightly, blame the Council. However, we do not really know categorically where the fault lies.
Now, I understand that the latest fiasco is that the ferry exceeds noise limits, where will it end?
I would therefore suggest that a public enquiry is commissioned to examine:
• The process that led to the replacement of a perfectly well functioning ferry, that could if necessary have been refurbished.
• Why the original timetable was so badly missed?
• What the actual issues are and whether they can be rectified. If possible a timetable for doing so.
• What advice was ignored in the procurement process.
• Who specifically is to blame within 1) the Isle of Wight Council procurement process 2) the design 3) the manufacturer.
• Whether any compensation to individuals is appropriate.
• Any other matters considered proper.
I am not normally a fan of costly public enquiries, but I think that the public can have no confidence in the Council’s own internal processes, which in the main are kept hidden from public scrutiny. Therefore it seems the only way to stop the unhelpful speculation, finger pointing and mocking of the Authority is to hold a proper public enquiry into what on the face of it appears to be a negligent waste of in excess of £3m of public money.
This council and its members are trying to promote several multi million pound regeneration proposals using public money. With the ferry fiasco looming in the background I for one have no faith in their ability to properly control, manage or complete these developments.
Stephen Cooper
Cowes
