Following yesterday’s news about Isle of Wight Fuels, it seems there may be light at the end of the tunnel for residents and businesses who rely on services from the depot.
News OnTheWight got in touch with the Isle of Wight council to find out what they were doing to ensure those who rely on services from the depot were not adversely affected by the closure.
A spokesperson said that although they have not been involved in any rescue package talks, they are engaging with fuel providers who want to establish a fuel distribution model on the Island.
Expressions of interest
Cllr Karl Love said that as a result of News OnTheWight’s article in July he had been contacted by two oil companies expressing interest in possibly trying to find a solution in maintaining an Island-based supply company, using existing services and employees.
Supermarkets already independent
On the petrol side, the vast majority of the Isle of Wight’s drivers fill up at the Island’s supermarkets – who have for quite a while been arranging their own fuel deliveries via tankers coming over on the ferries.
News OnTheWight understands there are a number of different ways that oil supply to the Island can be rearranged after Isle of Wight Fuels closure, with the potential of various forms of storage tanks around the Island.
It might actually become an opportunity for new Island based businesses to deliver to homes.
MP: Not viable due to significant safety issues
News OnTheWight contacted Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely, yesterday to whether he had been involved in any rescue package talks. He replied sometime after this article was published
He said,
“I was involved in discussions with Isle of Wight Fuels and other parties looking to take over this site, including potential future owners as well as local and national government.
“I understood from my last meeting with the MFG (Motor Fuel Group), that a Fuel Rationalisation Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study of the terminal was undertaken and many concerns were identified surrounding the age and structural soundness of the plant.
“On the grounds of safety to the environment and the estimated cost to replace all storage tanks, given a succession of yearly losses, there was very little grounds to oppose the closure of the site. Alternative arrangements are being put in place.
“Clearly I would much have preferred the depot to be taken over as an going business, but due to what I was told were significant safety issues, it wasn’t viable.”
Article edit
3.35pm 20th Aug 2020 – Statement from Seely added
Image: Volodymyr Hryshchenko under CC BY 2.0
