A town council has called for a meeting with the boss of Wightlink following a spate of issues which it says have had a negative impact on Yarmouth.
In recent weeks, the ferry company, which runs a Yarmouth to Lymington crossing, has been affected by a lack of crew and mechanical breakdowns, which have led to cancellations.
On some days, Yarmouth Town Council said there had been long periods where there were no ferries at all.
“Not good enough”
At a meeting last week, councillors agreed it was not good enough and issued an invitation for Wightlink chief executive, Keith Greenfield, to talk to them.
Former Yarmouth mayor, Cllr Steve Cowley said he wanted the discussion so they could better understand what on earth they were up to with their ferry service.
Cowley: Negative impact
He said,
“It is having a negative impact on Yarmouth and its businesses, you cannot come over for a day because you don’t know whether you can go back or not. People cannot rely on it.”
Others agreed it was an issue for the entire Island and said Wightlink should not be allowed to run the service the way they were.
Not profitable enough to start up a competing business
Cllr Jamie Allen, town mayor, said they could invite Mr Greenfield, but was not sure whether he would turn up.
He said the problem was it was not profitable enough to start up a competing business.
Wightlink has been approached for comment.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: bortescristian under CC BY 2.0
