A spoof extract from the Island Independent, submitted by Pappa Clip. Ed
The Island Council announced this week some further plans to raise funds for the Island budget.
“We are seriously considering the possibility of charging for some of the Island’s natural assets.” the spokesperson/ woman/ man explained.
“Assets the holidaymaker has hitherto enjoyed free of charge despite we Islanders having to pay for their upkeep.
“For instance we see no objection to paying for access to our quaint and charming harbour at Newport. Similarly the seafronts at Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown and of course Cowes. All of these lend themselves quite conveniently to the installation of tollgates.
“Then there are the various popular walks. Tennyson Down for example. And the cycle routes. And the sites where red squirrels may be watched. Indeed, the more one thinks about it the more possibilities present themselves.”
Asked whether these proposals might not be counterproductive the spokepersonwoman/man emphasised the lack of choice presented by the present financial situation.
“It’s either that or reduce the salaries of Council executives,” he said, “something quite out of the question of course.”
We hope you enjoyed this week’s spoof from Pappa Clip
Image: John Vetterli under CC BY 2.0
