the gazette isle of wight
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36,000 copies - Friday March 6 2009
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wightFM hits the road! See page 20 for details
The hospice’s Jane Austen connection Page 3
Don’t miss the boat, urges Island MP
Roadworks test patience of West Wight traders Page 5
March 27 deadline for OFT ferries input ISLAND MP Andrew Turner has urged residents to continue to back him in his fight to get a full investigation into the Island’s ferry and hovercraft services.
Mr Turner is keen to highlight the fact that the deadline to put evidence before the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is March 27. He feels if this latest opportunity to support his long-running campaign is not seized upon, it could take many years for the thorny issue to be raised again. He wants Islanders and businesses to make sure their views are heard. He has already collected 8,000 signatures supporting complaints alleging declining levels of service, high prices and confusing charging. But he is concerned all could be lost if the pressure is not maintained. The OFT has revealed it will launch a ‘market survey’ of the services
By Peter White between the Island and the mainland. Mr Turner claims: “That is a big and important step – but only a step.” He continued: “It is almost 20 years since the previous investigations took place. Much has changed since then including British legislation and European regulations. The ferries obviously have a massive effect on Island life. I firmly believe that we need a full investigation now – otherwise it will be many years before we get another opportunity. The OFT only take forward about five per cent of the applications they receive so we have already overcome a massive hurdle – now we need to keep the momentum going. “The OFT are seeking further evidence on three main issues; whether Continued on page 3
The day Pluto arrived at the IW zoo Page 10
Andrew Turner: “We need to keep the momentum going”