PROTESTERS CHANT ‘ROBBING OUR ISLAND’ AS TRANSPORT MINISTER MEETS FERRY BOSSES
‘Fair ferries or ye’ll face mutiny’ – that was one of the messages from protesters who gathered outside a crucial top-level meeting between ferry bosses, a transport minister and local stakeholders this morning (Wednesday).
Mike Kane MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, has joined Isle of Wight MPs Joe Robertson and Richard Quigley in Cowes to discuss the state of cross-Solent ferries. They’re sitting down with Fran Collins (Red Funnel), Katy Taylor (Wightlink) and representatives from the Isle of Wight Council, Hovertravel, the Chamber of Commerce and other organisations.
But Island Echo understands some hot topics – such as nationalisation – are not up for discussion at today’s meeting, which is being hosted at Island Sailing Club.
Before the meeting could get underway, there was some level of embarrassment when protesters rallied outside to make clear the disgruntlement of Islanders when it comes to cross-Solent travel.
Police watched on to keep the peace as protesters – dressed as pirates – made their voices heard, chanting ‘modern day pirates, robbing our Island’ and ‘you should be ashamed. You’re robbing pirates’.
Bronwyn Hamilton-Brown, who heads up the Wightlink User Group, accosted the Minister after he hurried past the group and quizzed him on what he is going to do. The Minister told Bronwyn ‘you don’t need to beg’. But many Islanders feel that is where we are now at, with one protester simply saying ‘we need help’.
Marilyn Wilkins, who has lived on the Isle of Wight for over 30 years, says she can no longer afford to live on the Island so will be leaving for good next Wednesday.
Speaking to Island Echo, she said:
“My family – my children, grandchildren and sister – are on the mainland and they can’t afford to see me, nor can I afford to see them. We can’t afford the ferry costs.
“So after 31 years I’m going back”.
Among those supporting the protest was Vanessa Churchman, Isle of Wight Councillor for Haylands and Ashey, who said:
“We deserve a proper ferry connection.
“The Department for Transport need to start applying rules and regulations”.
As the top dogs sit down to discuss the problems facing travel to and from the Isle of Wight, Wightlink is advising of delays of 60 minutes on its Fishbourne-Portsmouth route due to an issue with a boarding ramp.
