WIGHTLINK will run more sailings at weekends, on both its Portsmouth-Fishbourne and Lymington-Yarmouth routes, from Friday July 24.

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However there is still no information about when the FastCat service, between Ryde Pier Head and Portsmouth, will return.

The ferry firm says foot passenger numbers are still very low.

It says it is 'constantly reviewing the situation', and plans to run FastCats as soon as demand increases, with further announcements in the near future.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Wightlink FastCats remain off

On Friday, the Isle of Wight County Press asked if you were missing the FastCats.

Eighty people who responded to our unofficial poll told us they would have used the service if it was running.

"Would have used Fastcat for convenience."

Jane Craft wrote on Facebook: "Used Hovertravel today. Would have used Fastcat for convenience had it been running but great travel on the hovercraft ...well done, guys."

Mary Haskett said: "I would like the Fastcat to run again. Much easier for me to visit my son!"

But George Piper wrote: "Moaning about it won’t bring it back. Train passengers are down 90%. It will come back when it's viable. Or when highly paid staff aren’t covered by furlough."

"It will come back when it's viable."

Ryde Councillor Wayne Whittle, Cabinet member for Transport Cllr Ian Ward and Newport Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, have all called for the return of the service.

Read more: 'Very disappointing' - Isle of Wight councillor shares frustrations over FastCat service

Meanwhile, the Wightlink says it has seen an increase in vehicle bookings.

It will add four round-trips at peak times, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield said: “I am delighted to announce we are responding to increased demand by scheduling more services at weekends. The extra sailings will be good news for the Isle of Wight’s tourism business and offer more opportunities for Islanders and mainlanders to cross the Solent.

“We are ready to welcome more customers. We have reduced passenger capacity on all our ships so there is plenty of room in our lounges for everyone to find a place to sit, while keeping a social distance from other people.

“Ships are cleaned frequently and to high standard and hand sanitisers are available Signage on board ferries and on ports will help customers to make their way around safely.”

Wightlink has been awarded the ‘We’re Good to Go’ mark by VisitBritain. It shows the company complies with all Government and public health guidance and has carried out the necessary risk assessments.