I invited the Minister for Portsmouth to hear about what Wightlink's impact is on Portsmouth. Nearly 400 jobs come from the Portsmouth area during peak time so it is an important employer. There was a debate in Parliament that evening about Wightlink and there will be a working party looking at how to improve the service for those living on the Isle of Wight and visiting. However, I know that Wightlink are very conscious of the impact that they have on the community, particuarly with jobs, and the development of future services and ferries. I was pleased to hear that they have already become environmentally friendly using the MGO fuel before the January 2015 deadline.
This press release appeared in the Isle of Wight County News and Wightlink's website:
Minister for Portsmouth Matt Hancock MP toured Wightlink’s passenger and car ferry terminals as part of his visit to the city today (13 October).
He said he was impressed by the cross-Solent ferry company, which employs 600 people at peak times and recognised the importance of Wightlink to the economy of both Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. The Minister, accompanied by Portsmouth City Council leader Councillor Donna Jones and Flick Drummond, Conservative candidate for Portsmouth South, also visited the new Greggs shop at Gunwharf which has created 10 jobs.
“This is a vital crossing with almost 50,000 sailings a year to and from the Isle of Wight, it’s an enormous number. Connectivity is so important for people who live on the Island but it’s also important for the mainland,” said Mr Hancock.
“We were pleased to show the Minister and his colleagues over our operations this morning,” said Chief Executive Russell Kew. “Although his title is the Minister for Portsmouth, Mr Hancock acknowledged the importance of our lifeline services for the economy of the Isle of Wight and the value of its contribution to investment on both sides of the Solent.”
In discussions, Wightlink also raised the subject of the proposed Marine Conservation Zones on the north coast of the Isle of Wight and its concerns that new restrictions on the navigation channels may hinder future development and investment in new ships. Mr Hancock commented: “Making sure that we conserve our marine heritage is vitally important but it’s got to be done in a way that allows for people to enjoy it and move around as well, there’s a balance that has to be struck.”