Red Funnel have been forced to apologise to residents in East Cowes after they discovered their homes are earmarked for demolition under plans for a new ferry terminal.
A report by the BBC says the demolition plans were revealed as part of the consultation exhibition taking place in the town’s Waitrose supermarket.
Red Funnel’s Kevin George said,
“We are putting together a proposal of what we’d like to offer to property owners, ultimately we would like to acquire those properties.”
He went on to say,
“It must have been a tremendous shock to them when they saw the plans.”
A spokesperson from Red Funnel told OnTheWight,
“The formal consultation process for the Solent Gateway project is only just getting underway and Red Funnel welcomes input and constructive ideas from residents and stakeholders during this time.
“The project is a long awaited and incredibly positive development for East Cowes and the Isle of Wight. £15million Solent LEP funding together with £7m investment from Red Funnel is set to give a significant boost to the local economy.
“Red Funnel sincerely apologises for the fact that information concerning the overall development has been released without prior communication to those residents in three houses and owners of two businesses who are directly affected.”
The plans are part of the £15m funding boost announced earlier in the year that will see new terminals in East Cowes and Southampton.
Details of the plans can be found here.
Article edit: 16.45
Comment from Red Funnel added
Image: © Google Streetview
