WEST MP SAYS SITUATION WITH RED FUNNEL IS ‘UNACCEPTABLE’

Richard Quigley MP has said that the situation with Red Funnel is ‘unacceptable’ and that Wightlink appearing to ‘cash in’ on the issue doesn’t help the Island one bit. The damning words come following a suspension of all vehicle ferry services to and from East Cowes as a result of a linkspan issue, as previously reported by Island Echo. Red Funnel has suspended services until further notice, with no official word from the company as to when the route will be back up and running. Anyone wishing to cross the Solent today will have to travel via Wightlink instead, with a one-way ticket costing in excess of £140. It’s known that the 09:20 sailing from Portsmouth was priced at £149.50 one-way. For those looking to leave the Island the first available sailing from Fishbourne is 17:00 this afternoon and from Yarmouth at 18:05, but there are no ferries from Portsmouth until 20:00 and Lymington until 16:40. Richard Quigley, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight West, has said that Wightlink’s approach to ‘cashing in’ doesn’t help matters. Mr Quigley has also said that today’s situation gives further evidence that a ‘better solution is essential’.