The CEO of Red Funnel has told a Weymouth town councillor that the company would be happy to take part in high level discussions about a possible new ferry route from the town.
Cllr Jan Bergman has been exploring the idea of a ferry service between Weymouth and the Channel Islands and says he’s received “favourable responses from ferry companies and officials in Guernsey”.
Collins: Happy to have a high-level discussion
Red Funnel is one of those ferry companies and their CEO, Fran Collins, told Cllr Bergman that they’d be happy to have “a high-level discussion to understand more” about his aspirations for Weymouth port.
She added that the company is open to the consideration of other ventures.
No discussions to date
Ms Collins told Dorset Echo that there have not been any discussions at this stage and that Dorset council have not shared any detail of its thoughts regarding routes or timetables.
Smith: “Red Funnel should be putting the the Isle of Wight first”
Michael Smith from the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats told News OnTheWight,
“I believe Red Funnel should be putting the people of the Isle of Wight first and should invest in new and greener car ferries for East Cowes to Southampton. Replacing 25-year-old ships and giving reasonable fares for Isle of Wight Residents.
“Yes we have seen new Red Jet ferries and a new freight-only vessel, but in my view Red Funnel should concentrate on the Isle of Wight.”
Smith: “Ask other companies if they like to run services to the Island”
Mr Smith went on to add,
“They have also failed in the last three years to complete regenerating the ferry ports at Southampton and East Cowes.
“I can’t see this current Council managing anything useful given the floating bridge disaster, but with Council elections next year, they could ask other companies to see if they like to run services to the Isle of Wight and to invest in new car ferries and better services.”
