As reported earlier in the month, the Wightlink Users Group (WUG) extends an open invitation to Islanders for a meeting at The Depozitory in Ryde tonight (Friday).
This assembly forms a part of the group’s broader campaign aimed at establishing a ferry service that is not only regular and affordable, but also fair.
Putting Islanders first
The campaign seeks to prioritise the needs of Isle of Wight families and bolster the local economy.
With a robust membership of over 5,000, the group has engaged in a hive of activities throughout 2023.
Engaging stakeholders
They have conducted meetings with various stakeholders, researchers, local councils, and representatives from the NHS.
These engagements aim to enhance the accessibility to indispensable ferry services upon which the Islanders heavily rely.
Addressing connection issues
The upcoming meeting presents an opportunity for attendees to glean insights directly from the committee members.
The discussions will primarily concentrate on the Islanders’ travel experiences across the Solent and delve into the ramifications of costly and unreliable connections on access to crucial health services and family support.
Voices from the community
Those present at the meeting will also have the chance to hear from a diverse group of speakers.
This roster includes representatives from Island businesses and influential figures within the local community.
An independent initiative
WUG prides itself on being an independent community organisation devoid of any political affiliations.
They extend a warm welcome to all who share concerns regarding the challenges associated with relying on Wightlink for mainland access and vice versa.
Join the discussion
The Open Meeting takes place from 6pm on Friday 29th September, at The Depozitory located on Nelson Street in Ryde.
For individuals interested in acquiring additional information about WUG, the group’s dedicated website offers further details.
A Call for Local Participation
Chair of WUG, Bronwyn Hamilton Brown, expressed her thoughts on the importance of local participation.
“It’s really not fair that an increasing number of Islanders are isolated from their families due to the huge price of the ferry tickets.
“Through our organisation, we can give a voice to Islanders who share our concerns. We’ve engaged with a host of knowledgeable individuals to help propel our campaign forward. It would be heartening to see an uptick in local involvement and attendance at our meeting.”
