The Island’s MP Andrew Turner is seeking an urgent meeting with the new owners to hear of their plans and to seek assurances on services and prices. After hearing the news Mr Turner gave the news a ‘cautious welcome’ and said:
“I am anxious that the sale of Red Funnel will not have an adverse effect on Islanders crossing The Solent or on the economy of the Island. I am told that the Prudential is looking at this as a long term investment and if that is the case then this may be good news – we do not want the owners of this vital service to be ‘in it for a quick buck’. We need to be certain that the change in ownership will not hike prices up even higher or lead to a reduction in service levels.”
He also welcomed the news that existing senior managers will stay with the company.
But Mr Turner said he understood that analysis of company accounts to the end of 2005 show that both Wightlink and Red Funnel were paying finance charges of around £1 million per month.
“That must be reflected in ticket prices and is a heavy burden on Islanders,” he said.
Mr Turner is already working on a case for the Office of Fair Trading to investigate the cross-Solent travel market after raising the issue with the Secretary of State for Transport.
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Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
