Islanders are responding to the news that Wightlink's Fastcats will stop after Friday, due to Covid restrictions and a drop in passenger numbers.

It is the second time this year that the foot passenger service between Ryde Pier and Portsmouth has stopped.

A campaign after the first coronavirus lockdown ended called for its return.

The ferry firm has also reduced its Yarmouth to Lymington service.

Read today's announcement in full...

"Disappointed"

Isle of Wight County Press:

Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart, said: "Pressures of lockdown are having a significant impact on our ferry companies, caused by reduced footfall, and they are clearly reviewing their service provision in a similar way to many other businesses.

"However, we as a council will continue to lobby for services to be maintained to their fullest and the Island has connectivity with the mainland in a way that provides a vital lifeline for goods, services and keyworkers.

"I am disappointed that, once again, we are in a position where the Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head FastCat foot passenger route is to be suspended from 14 November, although I understand this is a business decision by Wightlink and is due to the substantial reduction in use that has happened due to lockdown.

"However, I am grateful Wightlink are maintaining a limited Yarmouth to Lymington service and in particular the change they have made to the early morning sailing which will support our students who attend Brockenhurst College."

Welcoming Hovertravel's increased services to fill in the travel gaps left by the route's withdrawal, Cllr Stewart said: "The council, as part of the Island's Transport Infrastructure Board, has been engaging with ferry operators to ensure services are retained as far as possible, but decisions on services do rest with these individual private companies.

"Nevertheless, we continue to work with the MP and the Department for Transport to impress on them that it may be necessary to arrange government intervention.

"I hope that when lockdown comes to an end in December, all ferry companies will review their arrangements, ensure they are stepped up again for Christmas and have plans in place for the new year that ensures our Island is fully open for business when the time is right."

Extra crossings

Isle of Wight County Press:

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, said:  “For the Solent ferry operators the unique circumstances of this COVID crisis have challenged us all and demonstrated that co-operation is needed now, more than ever.

"We are proud to be offering Wightlink customers a fast ferry option for this second lockdown. Hovertravel’s commitment to supporting the communities on both sides of the Solent is as strong today in November, as it was in March.

“The three ferry companies kept the Island connected during the last lockdown and  by working together with the Isle of Wight Council we will do it again. Hovertravel is ready and able to serve by continuing to fly people, post and patients across the Solent throughout this pandemic.“