At last night’s full council meeting (read our live coverage) members discussed the future of Island Line trains.
During the debate, Cllr Ian Ward (also the chairman of the Isle of Wight Conservative Association) told members that Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Andrew Turner, supported the train line remaining in the franchise.
He said,
“This link is vital to our side of the Island from Shanklin to Ryde Pier Head, there is no question about.
“Most people I speak to, including the MP, say it should be in the franchise, which is different to what is put out in the media.”
Why the view is different
“What is put out in the media” is different to Cllr Ward’s claims simply due to the content of Mr Turner’s own press releases on the subject.
He’s a strong proponent to alternatives of the train line remaining within the franchise being considered – suggesting it to Government himself – and virtually spearheading a campaign for a Community-run operation outside of the franchise from February 2017 (when the current franchise expires).
Response from the MP
OnTheWight have written to the MP to seek confirmation that he does now support the train line remaining within the franchise.
After publishing the article, this reply was forwarded from the MP’s office,
“A significant part of the solution to addressing the Island’s economic problems is to improve transport infrastructure and connectivity. We all want a track based ‘rail’ link between Ryde Pier head and Shanklin and are looking to find the best way of preserving this The DfT must find significant savings, and last November the Council agreed to set up a Taskforce to look strategically at the Island’s future transport needs. The Government has welcomed this approach and the Solent LEP have told me they would give support, but have not been formally approached for help. We need the Taskforce to be set up as soon as possible to find how best to meet the needs of Islanders and satisfy the DfT, who are currently looking at fundamental changes to the rail industry.
“As the timescales for Island Line are now much shorter than originally envisaged, it may well be that the DfT and ourselves agree that for the time being support for the Island Line comes from within the South West Franchise. Any difference of opinion arises from how best to achieve modernisation and efficiency (as required by the Government) and secure the future of the link. The work of the Taskforce will be key to finding the best way forward.”
Clearly it does not answer the question asked, so we have sought clarification.
The debate
The discussion surrounded a motion brought forward by Conservative councillor Ray Bloomfield calling on the council to support the train line remaining in the south west franchise (you can read the background here).
A large number of councillors spoke on the motion, all mostly to say they would support it – something that didn’t need words, just a hand in air at the time of the vote.
The motion was passed with 28 members voting in favour, whilst Cllr Stewart and Hutchinson both abstained.
Article edits
Comment from the MP added.
Image: andrewmalone under CC BY 2.0
