The meeting at Shanklin Theatre last night (Tuesday) made it clear that Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner stands alone on his support for a CIC to run Island Line trains.
There was a unanimous support from all those gathered in the theatre that Island Line must stay within the Rail Franchise. Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner, has, for a long time, been speaking about Island Line being taken out of the Franchise.
Island Conservatives support franchise
Andrew Turner had been invited to the meeting, but wrote a week ago saying he felt the meeting would be ‘unhelpful’ and ‘unnecessary’.
The Chairman of the Isle of Wight Conservatives, Ian Ward, and the Leader of the Conservative group of councillors, Cllr Dave Stewart both voted in favour of keeping the Island’s trainline in the Franchise.
Wide-spread support
The Independent-controlled Isle of Wight council, represented by its deputy leader Cllr Stubbings; representatives of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway (who repeated that they didn’t want to take over Island Line, as Andrew Turner had volunteered them for) and the Isle of Wight Bus and Rail Users’ Group, represented by Stuart George all showed their support for the line staying within the franchise.
More work to do
Without being in the Franchise, Island Line, or what ever body ran it, would be without the financial certainty and legal protection the Franchise brings.
Whilst this is a great step forward this is not the end to what can be achieved. Mick Tosh from the RMT reminded those gathered they must take part in the consultation that commences in September.
Image: Screen grab from parliamentlive.tv coverage of 13 October 2014 debate
