Fall in number of visitors to Isle of Wight

Hi Linda. Yes, I just noticed that the Windmill is closing. I hope things do turn around for the island, but I probably won't be visiting to see it. As I will almost certainly be be selling up next year. Still, we've had some good times over the past 10 years, & don't regret the time we;ve spent on the island.

Hi William. It's a lose, lose situation - fewer tourists, fewer jobs for locals - the Windmill in Bembridge is up for sale now - industry closing/redundancies - Trucast, Vestas for example. So less money available to buy in the remaining shops, eat/drink in the remaining pubs, it becomes depressing. The council should look outside its old boy network and really think how they can get the tourists back, and soon.

Hi Linda.. I think that people would like to agree with you, but in reality it won't happen. I honestly believe that second home owners make a far bigger contribution to the island economy than the 10% discount costs. Also many of the so called second homes are not really large enough for full time occupation. Most of the pubs & restaurants are very quiet in the winter months, without our trade some would not survive, & of those that do, they would prbably have to reduce staff numbers. The council seem determined to drive down tourism on the island. There are very few hotels still trading in west Wight. Some of them have been reduced to B&B status so they do not have to pay for a chef. I find it very sad that the council is so blinkered.

William - if people lose the council tax discount for having a second home so they stop buying second homes that remain empty for months, won't it mean if the house prices drop that local people can afford to buy the houses as a permanent home?

Wow John got out the wrong side of bed.... YOU are far from normal what a little abusive bully you are I bet your mother would be proud of you? and what exactly am I surposed to be agreeing with JOHN I can see when you don't feel your getting your own way your type of person turns into a nasty little bully....why can't you answer the simple question John on how much you want to pay on the bridge' it's just a question after all! are you the type of child.. sorry were the type of child that got abusive towards your parents/teachers when they asked you a question John! Why is it people like you only serve to pick holes in other people {It's only a bracket sign why so uptight} is it to try and make yourself feel better John more superior.. what have you brought to the table abuse aside I've said I'll use a fixed link if it was there {do you have trouble reading when the red mist comes down John} so how will it be paid for John and how much do you feel is a fair price to use a fixed link?

What a condescending, smarmy stuck-up **** you are Darren. No-one agrees with you so you come across as some sort of dictator with your views. You don't even use the correct bracket sign - it's ( NOT {! There's a difference. Go back to your little cave and dwell like a hermit. Give us normal people a chance of life!

Once the councils plans to end the 10% discount that 2nd home owners get on their council tax come into effect the numbers will fall even more. Most 2nd home owners get very little value for what they pay. They only use a few of the services that the tax pays for. Out of season, the ferries are very quiet as are the pubs & restaurants. People will be forced to sell & local business will suffer, causing more unemployment & probably an increase in the already high ferry fares. Still never mind, it makes a great headline, it doesn't matter that the overal effect on the islands economy will be a negative one. Just as long as it makes it look as though the council are doing a good job.

Linda, add to that the cost effectiveness of cruising. Full board. All entertainment. Superb food and Service with a smile. A 'moving' hotel taking you to different places. Excursions with experienced guides (these do cost extra but there is terrific help in doing the excursions yourself) etc etc etc
Many cruises operate a coach pick up service to take you to Southampton or free parking when you get there. Unpack once.
When you take a UK holiday and add the ferry fare to it, cruising wins hands down, ................ and you don't have to be rolling in money as has been implied.

how about the impact on tourists from no TICs, no tourist parking permits, huge entrance fees to attractions, nothing open after 5.30pm, closed public toilets? Yes ferries are expensive, but travel at an unsociable hour and you save pounds. Some hotels are unattractive with rooms overlooking the bins.

Your right Warren I don't think it would be the ruin of the ferry companies as you said its about choice as I've said in earlier posts I like traveling by ferry I live on an Island and feel that is part and parcel of it, but if there was a bridge/tunnel and I needed to get on the mainland faster I would use it, but not if I was on a day out {I don't think the family would let me} I know of a number of people who have property in France and even though we have the tunnel they still travel by ferry to them it's part of it. Your right on the roads as well there just isn't the space to make drastic change a tweek here and there may be, but complete overhaul I just don't think there's the space, It all started out as cart tracks most of it and the volume of cars has increased dramatically in the past 15 years I can remember some streets having nexted to no cars parked in them.. god I sound old...and can you imagine how long it would take from yes will build one to breaking the earth20/30yr

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.