Wightlink jobs on the Yarmouth to Lymington route face uncertainty today, after Wightlink announces that Natural England are seeking to reduce number of permitted ferries by 1,500 pa.
On behalf of Wightlink, Kerry Jackson said, “In order to maintain a ferry service between Lymington and Yarmouth and undertake widely publicised necessary berth works and habitat works, Wightlink must secure consent for the marine licences and planning permissions applied for.
“A section 106 agreement which places obligations on Wightlink for the delivery of the habitat works and the operation of the ferries is to be entered into with the New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest District Council. The agreement has to be approved by Natural England and is required by UK and EU habitat legislation.
“Natural England has sought to reduce the number of trips that the ferries may make in any one year to a maximum 16,500 and has made that a condition in the 106 agreement. Wightlink has made the case for 18,000 trips each year to maintain current service frequency.
“Wightlink will reluctantly accept Natural England’s requirement if it is endorsed by the Planning Inspector. A significant reduction in trippage will lead to a reduction in required manpower.”
