Cllr Karl Love:

The situation with Red Funnel, Cross Solent transportation operators, and its cancellations and service disruptions to the Isle of Wight, after many months of negative service impacts, is intolerable and could be putting people's health and well-being at risk from life threatening illness after residents are missing appointments and treatments, because of cancelled services.  

Red Funnel service cancellations are worsening and our whole Island economy, our invest-ability and potential tourist offer is being diminished. 

Red Funnel must deliver a good reliable service in these difficult economic conditions or our Island's reputation and viability will be impacted.

This affects every person living on our Island. One expects severe weather impacts but the current situation is appalling.

Yet again this week, following months of service cancellations, Red Funnel report further cancellations because of staffing issues. This is totally unacceptable.

With other vessels not operational, why do they not have sufficient staff to operate a good reliable service?

What picture does all this disruption paint for outside investors as we battle to keep our Island nationally important industries and services viable?

It is hard for our Island to remain viable as it is but, when another important part of our economic jigsaw (Red Funnel) fails, it puts our whole Island economy and stability at risk.  

We must get the Cross Solent ferry operators regulated.

It seems the only control we can now have to enforce a good reliable service, ensuring our Island's wellbeing and economy.

Imagine you travel to Southampton looking to get on a ferry to visit Osborne House and find the service cancelled?  

Imagine you’re an investor flying into the UK to visit Wight Shipyard or GKN and then find you cannot cross the Solent in a timely way. Would that inspire confidence to invest into our Island economy?

Red Funnel must be held accountable and they are not even explaining the delays, providing proper compensation or inspiring any confidence that positive service changes can be achieved.

All I can do is bang a drum and recommend that that this company is either regulated or nationalised.