Bronwyn Hamilton Brown from the Wightlink Users Group shares details of this planned protest, taking place this week as the UK Islands Forum. Ed
On the 24th May at 8.15am in Newport on the Isle of Wight, Wightlink Users Group will be demonstrating to coincide with the Island’s Levelling Up Forum, which will be hosted by Michael Gove, the Levelling up secretary.
The group have asked to be represented at the Forum, however, they have not managed to get a seat at the table, despite this being an event designed for communities.
Misconceptions there are no issues
Apparently, ferries are not relevant to this meeting; according to an OFT report in 2009, the Island does not have issues with the privately-owned Wightlink company.
These misconceptions have driven many to Petition the government, our MP and to join our group of like minded people who are suffering with extortionate fares.
Many affected
The demographics mostly affected include the elderly, relatives of the elderly who cannot afford to see parents on the Island, the low paid, the young and those who need NHS and medical care off the Island. (Our hospital is small and cannot cater for many cancers etc).
Wightlink, year on year, profit enormously – with £50m given to shareholders over a recent four year period.
Find out more
To find out more visit our Website, the Facebook Group Wightlink Users, listen to a podcast on Vectis Radio, or speak with one of committee.
Listen out on BBC Radio Solent on the morning of 24th May to hear the radio interview.
Image: TaxRebate.org.uk under CC BY 2.0
