Island rail group launch campaign group to keep franchise

The trains run from Shanklin to Ryde on the Isle of Wight

A campaign has been launched to keep the Isle of Wight train service as part of a major franchise.

The Keep Island Line in Franchise group was set up to secure a "sustainable, reliable and viable service on the existing route".

Services run by the South West Trains franchise link Ryde and Shanklin.

The campaign follows the suggestion by Andrew Turner MP and Isle of Wight Council that the service could be owned by the community.

'Men playing trains'

In February this year the island's MP and the council leader met rail minister Claire Perry, who approved a business plan for a community-operated rail service.

Stewart Blackmore, Labour member of Ventnor Town Council and campaign member, said: "Sandown and Shanklin Labour Party branch has already highlighted obvious flaws in the nebulous Community Interest Company idea.

"The island deserves a serious, long-term strategy for this service, not men playing trains."

Stagecoach currently operates the South West Trains franchise and the contract expires in 2017.

Earlier in July the operator failed to reach an agreement with the government over the renewal, as it had hoped to secure it for a further two years.

The contract is now out to competition.

Mrs Perry said "no decisions" had been made on the future of Island Line after the franchise expires.

"I know that good transport links are vital to local communities, businesses and the tourism industry on the Isle of Wight.

"We are working closely with our local partners to look at the best way forward."

A public meeting will be held by the campaign group at Shanklin Theatre on 11 August.