This in from Dave Stewart, Conservative Group Leader, Isle of Wight Council. Ed
On 28th January 2015 an Island Ferry User Group (IFUG) will meet to formalise its arrangements and move ahead more formally as an Island wide body, looking at the strategic interests and issues surrounding the cost and service provision of ferries for the Island.
The group began to develop, following the widespread concern surrounding ferry services in 2014, which came to particular attention following the work of the Isle of Wight Council’s Scrutiny Panel initiative – when ferry companies were invited to attend a scrutiny meeting and explain their position.
IFUG purpose
The IFUG will be looking to formalise what has, to date, been an informal process involving a number of meetings held in 2014. A number of councillors, ferry representatives and other individuals have been working together to form the IFUG and to provide some positive engagement, as well as act as a forum for regular exchange of views and information between all the stakeholders involved.
These include:
- IW Council
- Island MP
- Ferry Operators
- Town and Parish Councils
- Visitor organisations
- Route specific user groups and a range of ferry users including residents, freight, tourists and special interest groups (such as disabled users; commuters; motorhome / caravans; young people)
This is an evolving position, however it is envisaged representation will, in due course, include a variety of representation including Tourist organisations, Commercial transport organisations and other special Interest groups.
Leading on the formalisation of this group IW Councillor Dave Stewart says:
“The meeting in January is aimed at formalising what has already been taking place and then developing the forum into a more meaningful body in which all parties involved can share thoughts and ideas and achieve improvements for all.
“Working with the Island MP it is also envisaged that the IFUG will be able to contribute to the wider work of the ‘ferry task force’ and ‘infrastructure development’ for which the government have already shown support.”
Image: Mike Lawrence under CC BY 2.0
