In his own words. Ed
On Tuesday 5th March, at the instigation of Andrew Turner, a meeting took place at the Department of Transport to speak to the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport, Stephen Hammond, about the current concerns about the level of provision and cost of ferry services between the Isle of Wight and the mainland.
Cross-party delegation
In addition to Andrew Turner and his staff, the meeting was attended by myself, on behalf of the group of Independent Councillors, Stewart Blackmore on behalf of the Labour Party, Reg Barry on behalf of the Liberals, Julia Bridgeman on behalf of the Solent Ferry Users Group, John Metcalfe from the Isle of Wight Council and Mike Nobbs, Secretary of the Isle of Wight Trades Union Council.
Neither David Pugh nor Edward Giles, the responsible Council Cabinet member, attended. The Conservative Councillors were instead represented by Dave Stewart.
Meeting cut short
Unfortunately the meeting was cut short due to the Minister’s diary being changed at the last minute so we only had about 25 minutes with the Minister. Nevertheless the time was used productively.
All those in attendance spoke to outline different concerns and problems with the current ferry service, concentrating on the cost and levels of service provision and the effect of these on residents, commuters and tourists. The minister listened and asked questions.
Minister to speak with Wightlink
At the end of the meeting he undertook to speak to Wightlink, whose services were the main cause of concern, to consider how possible funding sources for subsidies might be identified and to look at possible ‘soft-touch regulation’ to improve consultation and information in relation to proposed changes to services.
Most of the group who attended the meeting held a further meeting in Andrew Turner’s office in the House of Commons after the meeting with the Minister had concluded.
Overall, a positive meeting
While it was agreed that it was unfortunate that the meeting was so short, it was further agreed that the meeting was positive overall and gave a possible beginning to steps to improve levels of service provision and responsiveness to the needs of residents.
It was agreed that further written submissions should be gathered and put before the Minister and that further meetings and lobbying should take place to keep pressure up so that it is realised by those in power that there is a real issue here that needs to be addressed.
Personal perspective
From my own perspective it was also of note that we had a group of representatives in the meeting working together to put a case forward on behalf of all Island residents rather than the meeting being guided by one political viewpoint.
This is very much the way Independent Councillors see effective action and decision making being pursued and the meeting showed how this can work to good effect.
