If you followed our live coverage of the Full Council meeting on Wednesday night, you’ll have read about members discussing plans to support the Transport Infrastructure Task Force set up by Transport Minster, John Hayes MP.
Motion to offer support
The motion was put forward by deputy leader, Cllr Steve Stubbings for the council to offer their support to the Task Force. It read,
The Isle of Wight Council understands the contribution an integrated and coherent transport system can make to the overall economic well-being of the Island and appreciates the work of the Leader of the Council and the Island’s MP in raising the urgency of having such a system with Government, the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (SLEP) and partner agencies.
It therefore welcomes the support of the Minister of State for Transport for the development of a task force to consider how the Island can plan and develop a multi modal transport system that is secure, accessible and affordable and which underpins the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the whole community.
The Council offers its full support to the creation and work of the task force and looks forward to working closely with the Island’s MP, Government, SLEP, transport operators, the Chamber of Commerce through its MOU and all other stakeholders to secure the necessary external funds for its operation and in ensuring its success.
Support from the Conservatives
Group leader of the Isle of Wight Conservative councillors, Dave Stewart, told the chamber that he would also support the motion, adding it was “one of the most important items on the agenda” for that meeting.
He told members there’d been some excellent work taken place between the leader of the council, the Isle of Wight MP and a number of others.
He added,
“To put it in very simple terms, the work that’s going on is likely to see steam trains back on our main lines. It’s likely to see a real challenge for our ferries.
“It is likely to see a significant improvement in the whole infrastructure of the Isle of Wight, but in order to take that forward the Government need to see a united Isle of Wight council and Island showing their support.”
Cynicism from Cllr Lumley
Cllr Lumley (Lab) pointed out this was “one of those motions that everyone can vote for”, but added it was also “one of those of motions we see six months before an election”.
He said,
“I confidently predict here and now nothing will happen because, every four or five years something is initiated about transport issues on the Isle of Wight by the MP’s office and nothing happens.
“He’ll be calling for inquiries into the ferries, etc., once again and nothing will happen.
“Thankfully we’re not going to commit anything to it [this motion], it’s just going to be warm words.
“Tell me I’m wrong in a year’s time when all these things are wonderfully delivered. The concept of steam trains running on rail lines on the Isle of Wight is pure and utter fantasy. It will not happen, to be frank.
“I’ll vote for it, because like the rest of you I believe in motherhood and apple pie.”
‘A very good vision’
Cllr Daryll Pitcher (UKIP) also threw in his support. He said it provided ‘a very good vision’ for transport services.
He added,
“If you don’t have a vision, then you don’t know where you’re going and you won’t achieve anything. This is a blueprint and looks like the right way forward and is going to achieve a lot of what many people support.”
Cllr Hollands (Lab) added his support the motion, expressing his concerns about the current situation with the ferry service.
Cllr Smart finished the discussion by saying it was imperative the Task Force work.
“Let’s see if we can make it right this time. At the end of the day if we don’t at least we have tried.”
35 members voted in favour.
Image: Barry Lewis under CC BY 2.0
