Cuts in the number of sailings on Wightlink’s Yarmouth to Lymington vehicle ferry service could come into force this winter.
It’s understood that the ferry firm could reduce its route to a 1 boat service following the change to the Winter timetable, which is expected to take place in October.
As it stands, 14 sailings are available to book each say between 07:30 and 21:00, with children heading to schools such as Brockenhurst College on the mainland relying on the route for travel.
No confirmation has been given by Wightlink in terms of the exact number of sailing that will be cut, but a spokesperson said:
“Wightlink is still finalising its winter timetable to take account of likely demand this winter.
“We are conscious of the requirements of Brockenhurst College students crossing the Solent and will ensure their requirements are met.”
Absolutely disgusting
Why? They are running a business, not a charity.
Ah, the wee ones of Brockenhurst College who have an arduous journey to their Alma Mater. What about the many Island charcoal burners who work The New Forest providing the Navy with the means to smelt iron for its guns? Caulkheads filling the gaps in the decks of boats in the creeks and shallows along the Dorset and Hampshire coastline! Time we started recognising that fewer ferries means hardship for all of the above, and stop pretending it’s just about better access to holiday homes nobody has been to for two years (ahem), or bombarding estate agents with visits so that the queues at their offices look like somebody found an orange in 1942.
The same will happen on the Fishbourne to Portsmouth and cat services, it is all about profit and no doubt red funnel will follow suit, the only reliable service within the constraints of weather is Hovertravel.
Seems the ferry companies wants us to build a fixed link. If we had a service for the people like they have in Scotland (very cheap fairs), then a fixed link would be off the table. I don’t want one but what other option do we have if they keep doing this to us.
Never mind ,it’s only islanders you are inconveniencing !!
Typical only interested in quick profits of the holidaymakers coming over here, sod the students and any islanders who would like to go to the mainland for a break during the winter months.
Any chance that one ferry could be put into service between Cowes – East Cowes?
Are they slowly reducing the service till there wont be one?
Build a bridge how hard can it be Britain use to be good at building things
I’m a Qualified Nurse who had to stop working in Lymington due to a reduction in ferry times….
And often having to stay in B&B’s with late cancellations, (expensive)
In the end my employer said the service was too erratic and unreadable.
I was also giving care to a family for free, in Lymington so it wasn’t just about the job…..
I do a lot of work on the South Island a use lymington to Yarmouth regularly. So what happens if there are no ferries? Go from Portsmouth etc and add 2 hours journey time. Brilliant thinking. How is it that in the last 3 months I’ve down this 6 times on full ferries? Am I missing something