Councillors and the Island’s MPs have put politics aside to unite in the fight against the Isle of Wight’s main ferry operators, stating that the status quo can no longer continue.
They may be divided on many issues, but the Isle of Wight’s elected councillors have come together to send a strong signal to bosses at Wightlink and Red Funnel – enough is enough.
Councillors of all political parties and independents have unanimously signed up to support the Islanders’ charter, which outlines key principles aimed at improving ferry services for the Island’s residents, businesses, economy and visitors.
The news follows a troubled week of cross-Solent travel, with both operators having vessels out of service during the busy half-term break. Just yesterday it was announced that Red Funnel’s timetable will be altered in April and May, including over the early Bank Holiday Weekend.
The Islanders’ Charter was published in December supported by the Island’s MPs Richard Quigley (Labour, IW West) and Joe Robertson (Conservative, IW East) together with Independent Isle of Wight Council Leader, Phil Jordan. Through the Charter they challenged the ferry operators to consider fundamental changes to their business models.
Meanwhile, troubled ferry operator Red Funnel is reportedly in exclusive discussions with private equity company, Real Asset Investment Management (RAIM) over its potential acquisition. Red Funnel’s CEO Fran Collins told local media last week that she was open to discussions on the charter either ‘directly or via the Transport Infrastructure Board’, but there has been no response from RAIM, who also received a copy of the document.
Mr Robertson has said:
“There is an open door to the ferry companies to engage with the aims of the Charter. It is not a list of unreasonable demands but a set of basic principles that would better serve Island residents and importantly, would provide a stronger chance of success for any potential owner of Red Funnel. I very much welcome this show of unanimous support for the Charter’s aims from our Isle of Wight councillors.”
Adding to the pressure, questions are now being raised about the role of the Transport Infrastructure Board (TIB) which the Council set up in 2017.
Council Leader Phil Jordan added:
“Some concerning information surrounding the TIB’s structure and role has recently come to light. I am currently discussing its future with the Island’s two MPs.”
Mr Quigley welcomed the councillors’ unanimous support for the Islanders’ Charter, saying:
“This is an issue that transcends party politics, proving that the stakes for our community are far too high for divisions. The TIB is clearly not doing what it is supposed to do – that must include holding ferry and other transport operators to account for continued failure. At present, it is clearly not doing that. Something has to change.”
I cannot wait for devolution, we need a decent
Ferry service.
Quigley said he would sort the Ferries in 100 days,
over 200 days later the Ferry services are in a worse
state.
Do these 3 guys know what they are actually doing, quite a
large wage bill for these three, not to mention their expenses
and the 2 MPs 2nd home costs.
Lol
Red Funnel is going under fast, expect some sort of bankruptcy announcement coming soon I have no doubt.
Whilst an Islanders’ Charter is fine in theory and will set out “key principles aimed at improving ferry services for the Island’s residents, businesses, economy and visitors” what force will it have? Surely it is advisory only. The ferry companies don’t need this to understand that are failing Islanders – they already know this What is needed is proper regulation backed by legal powers and penalties. Without such force of law this scheme could go the way of the Citizens’ Charter which was a central plank of government policy in John Major’s government and achieved nothing but attracted ridicule.
Well said Marcus. It is a sad state of affairs when these company’s have to have the force of law bought upon them before they actually do something.
I’m suprised that dinosaured old fossil Jordan has the audacity to show his mug. The ferries are as clapped out as he is . Trust him to show an interest in something that is braking down and will eventually seize up. Bit like him really .
Start doing something that islanders can have hope and believe in again.