Isle of Wight residents and businesses are being urged to sign an online petition to improve the gateway to the Island and bring an estimated 200 new jobs to the area.
The petition has been launched by Red Funnel as the Isle of Wight specialist ferry firm embarks on a £15million investment programme across its services. The East Cowes Regeneration plan will provide more support for local businesses and residents through an improved ferry service, more money being brought onto the Island and easier travelling to and from the mainland for everyone.
Kevin George, CEO at Red Funnel, said:
“We need to make important changes to our facility in East Cowes by building a brand new terminal and increasing the size of our marshalling yard. The result of this will be improved traffic management and greater marshalling capacity, solving problems with traffic overflowing in to East Cowes town.
“Contrary to belief, there is no reason for current jobs to leave the Island. The proposed redevelopment of the Red Funnel site in East Cowes will create an estimated 200 additional jobs and maintain many more.”
The petition follows news of a recent Parliament discussion on the Isle of Wight Council’s financial difficulties, that led council leader Cllr Jonathan Bacon to describe the budget reductions as a “financial tourniquet placed around the council’s throat.”
Kevin said:
“With the government stripping away more and more from the Isle of Wight Council’s budget, investment like the one we’re proposing is a crucial route for the Island to receive the improvements it vitally needs for economic growth and to stop the region flagging behind the mainland.
Article continues below this advertisement “This plan will deliver major improvements that will help the Island prosper. We need Islanders’ help to make this once in a lifetime opportunity come to fruition. We believe the majority of people on the Island would consider a better gateway, and all the benefits it brings with it, to be worth fighting for – so we need them to play their part and help ensure it happens.”
Red Funnel’s plans to relocate their Southampton terminal were given the green light last month.
Island residents and businesses can support the plan by signing the petition online at www.bitly.com/bettergateway
or by leaving a message of support on the Isle of Wight Council’s planning portal at https://www.bitly.com/eastcowesplans.
People who can’t get online should send a letter of support quoting the full planning application number: TCP/32391, P/01065/15 to:
Isle of Wight Council
Seaclose Offices
Fairlee Road
Newport
Isle of Wight
PO30 2QS
