This in from the KILF Campaign in response to 12th August statement by the DfT and Andrew Turner’s interview with IW Radio. Ed
The Department for Transport (DfT) has set out its current position regarding the future of Island Line trains. We respect that and are grateful for the clarity they have provided at this stage.
At the same time we recognise that the Isle of Wight Council recently had a productive meeting with the DfT, at which they made the case for Island Line remaining in the South Western rail franchise. From their immediate post-meeting remarks, it was clear that the local authority took comfort from what was shared with them.
Campaign will continue to support IWC
However the subsequent statement from the DfT indicates that there is still much work to be done to convince the government that Island Line should be included in the post-2017 rail franchise – and for the duration of the franchise period.
The KILF Campaign still has an essential role to play. We will be continuing our efforts over the coming weeks – while supporting the Isle of Wight Council in what they are doing.
MP needs to start listening
This latest development also confirms why it is more important than ever that the Island’s MP Andrew Turner starts listening to his constituents on this issue – and starts voicing their concerns to his government.
We urge him to act on the resolution of the recent public meeting: in particular to facilitate a delegation from KILF to meet the Rail Minister, allowing us to hear the DfT’s view first hand and to make representations in favour of keeping Island Line in the franchise for the duration of the next period.
Future of Island Line at risk
The MP has put Island Line’s future at risk through his actions over recent months. Rather than now claiming it is not his responsibility to sort the future of the Island’s railway, he should help clear up the mess that he and his transport adviser have created.
We remain ever hopeful that he might do so.
