Council to tackle Solent travel issues

By a County Press reporter

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

COUNCILLORS have backed a motion calling for the government to recognise that ferry services should be treated as vital infrastructure in the same way as bus and train networks.

The motion, put forward by Isle of Wight Council leader David Pugh, was voted on by the full council tonight (Wednesday) and is aimed at improving the affordability and frequency of cross-Solent travel.

There was cross party support for the plan.

It calls for efforts to explore with the government how operational costs could be cut and stabilised, possibly involving a bulk and forward buying element for fuel.

The council could also work with the Isles of Scilly, which faces similar issues with ferry services.

Any financial benefits should then be passed on to customers, according to the motion.

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Displaying the last 10 of 19 comments - Show All Comments

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by Robert Blocksidge

17th January 2013, at 17:38:07

The IW Council, by putting forward this motion, is putting its political idiology befor the interest of the people of the Isle of Wight. At a meeting of IW residents, organised by the IW TUC of IW, it was agreed that the only sensible way forward, was to subsidise or take into public ownership of Wightlink. It was the Atlee Goverment of 1945 that saved the production process of the nation, by taking into public ownership numerous industries, that otherwise would have failed. It is obvious to me that the Wightlink Ferry cares little for the Island and its residents. After making £8.5m inprofits, it only wants to make more. That is being done at the expence of Island business and residents.
Take it into public ownership now.

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by Dave Dawson

17th January 2013, at 15:02:31

Perhaps the Government would be more responsive if the Isle of Wight Council demonstrated their commitment to keeping our roads safe and clear by regular gritting instead of being forced to do so by public pressure.

Sadly with Pugh and his merry bunch of Lemmings it is - Do as I say and not as I do.

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by geoffrey clynch

17th January 2013, at 14:23:13

If PUGH or most of this council is involved it is all WAFFLE

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by Richard Taylor

17th January 2013, at 12:23:11

Err... Jake you were saying about children's safeguarding on the island? !!

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by Jake Gully

17th January 2013, at 12:18:24

Surely 'baby kissing' is by politicians has been outlawed in this day and age. Whatever would the Local Safeguarding and Childrens Board have to say! I'm certain that Alan Wells would object, especially if there were any photographers around. And beside all this its such a cliche and unhygenic to boot.

Though to be on the safe side I might just avoid family outings to Shanklin and Cowes once the campaigning starts ;)

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by Peter Lewis

17th January 2013, at 11:33:13

You can forget a fixed link for the foreseeable future. Costs would be far too high and there'll be no money for it. Like it or not it is going to be ferries. This needs sorting but how and by whom? As far as councillors and MPs are concerned though , the only mode of transport they'll be intrerested is a pre-election bandwagon.

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by Colin Russell

17th January 2013, at 10:07:21

I think his number is up, been found out not up to it.

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by Richard Taylor

17th January 2013, at 09:52:30

Sorting out the ferries, gritting the roads - come on who's daft enough to believe King Pugh isn't hot on the election trail. He'll be kissing babies in Newport next. Be afraid, be very afraid..................

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by Keith McNallyohanly

17th January 2013, at 08:34:04

Build an asda!

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by tony white

17th January 2013, at 08:29:24

Must be election time again, another load of bull poo from the three ringed circus

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.