The Great Fixed Link Debate - Where Do You Stand?

The Isle of Wight is currently engaged in one of its most potentially explosive debates for many years over the prospect of a Fixed Link connecting it to the mainland.

The trigger seems to have been the launch by two residents of an online petition, to be followed shortly by a formal survey, calling for a bridge across the Solent or a tunnel. Carl Feeney and Kevin Price are hoping the momentum created by the petition will lead to a referendum on the issue to replace "old fashioned ferries", and claim that £6 million of government funding would be available to support the initiative. The pair also claim to have the support of local MP Andrew Turner for a referendum, although this would appear to be disputed.

Opinion seemed to be divided when Isle of Wight Review sought out the views of local people. Maria Scovell said: "No, we shouldn't have a Fixed Link...makes it easier for thieves etc to come over here and get away".

Karen Webster countered: "The Link would open up so many opportunities for people and would improve the amount of people visiting the Island. I know I would be over visiting family and friends more if there was a Link, I can't afford to at the moment with Wightlink's and Hovertravel's prices".

Bev Allen told us: "If the ferry services weren't so greedy by exploiting the public by changing the costs to suit the seasons and gave a fairer priced service this debate wouldn't be needed, their greed will be their downfall".

Rosemary Grimaldi is completely opposed to the prospect of a Fixed Link. "No way, we have enough traffic now," she insisted. "The Island would lose its charm, it must not be joined to the mainland. If people don't like the boat journey they should live on the mainland".

EXPENSIVE

Former resident Ann Hulme seemed to see both sides of the argument, telling us "I had to leave the Island to get my first proper job, not much choice even years ago. I feel the ferries were much better then but were expensive, nothing changed there! Plus everyone has friends and relatives on the North Island, it's hard to visit each other because of time and expense. I never wanted a bridge, I feel it would destroy the uniqueness of the island and make it too easy for the wrong kind of visitors, but maybe I am wrong? These same difficulties prevent me from returning again, it's a hard choice".

Rebecca Keenan is all in favour. She remarked: "Definitely need a bridge.. future generations are screwed. Worst schools in the South, no prospects, poor economy - something needs to be done!", sentiments which were echoed by Steven Staff: "I think the Island would benefit from a Fixed Link. I imagine it would be like the Wales bridge with a toll and security which would be great. The Welsh bridge is £6.20...I'd be on and off the Island constantly then. I think this would be a great decision for the Island to make and would boost a lot of things. It would also put Wightlink and Red Funnel out of business again due to their greed. Yes to a Fixed Link".

Louise was another who felt the prices charged by the ferries was prohibitive: "Cost me £98 to get to my dad in hospital - it was an emergency. We were told they would get us on come what may, there were eleven cars and a handful of trucks, exploitation I'd say. It's cheaper to get a day return from the mainland".

Kerry Constable is concerned about the security risks. "It would be a lot easier for the prisoners to escape," she told us.

Rival petitions for and against the suggestion each run into thousands of signatures. One of the most frequently recurring grumbles is clearly the cost of the Island's ferry and hovercraft services. The Solent is said to be mile for mile the most expensive water crossing in the world. Some opponents of the idea are nevertheless hopeful that the re-emergence of the debate will force some kind of positive action over fares.

The debate looks set to run and run. What are your views? Post your comments on here and let us know.

The Isle of Wight Festival - should IOW residents get discounted tickets?

As every Island resident will know the Festival returned in 2002 after a 32-year layoff. The Who, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, REM, The Kaiser Chiefs, Neil Young and Razorlight are just a few of the names who have crossed the water to play.

For those who don't appreciate the music the whole experience is just a whole lot of noise and a whole lot of inconvenience, with closed roads, congestion, queues for everything and full ferries. Those who do don't really mind the noise, but the inconvenience caused by some 50,000 visitors arriving from the mainland all at once remains the same.

Residents of the Island who actually attend the Festival get hit twice. Not only do they have to fight their way through the invading hordes but when they arrive at the event they find themselves at least £130 lighter - £150 if they intend to pitch a tent. That is the adult price and for the purposes of the Festival it would seem an adult is anybody over the age of twelve.

Perhaps not surprisingly, an enterprising group of young people from the Island have set up a Facebook group called Join if you think Isle of Wighters should get cheaper festival tickets.

So, should they?

Not everybody who has posted on the group's page agrees. Tickets are even more expensive at Glastonbury, it would seem, and there are no local discounts there. On the other hand the Rugby Football Union routinely makes 1,100 discounted tickets available to local residents for summer concerts held at Twickenham Stadium.

Personally I admire anybody who makes a stand against the rip-off culture which seems to predominate these days. I wish the campaign every success.