Jill Wareham welcomes decision on Yarmouth/Lymington ferries

9.55.25pm GMT Fri 19th Feb 2010

Jill Wareham, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for the Isle of Wight, is relieved to hear that the Yarmouth/Lymington ferries can continue to operate. At a court ruling today a top judge said the company's introduction of the W class ferries was unlawful under the Habitats Directive and the Habitats Regulations but Mr Justice Owen stopped short of banning them.

Commenting on the long running saga of the new Yarmouth/Lymington ferries, Jill said:

"I am pleased that the court ruling will not be stopping the new ferries. I spent a day last year on one of the new ferries whilst it was doing trials and wrote to Natural England, New Forest District Council, Department of Transport and other organisations supporting this ferry route as being essential to the Isle of Wight.

"The cause has not been helped by opposition to the new ferries from Tory MP for New Forest East, Desmond Swayne. The extensive trials showed that the new ferries have not caused any damage to the protected habitats in the Lymington River. Wightlink are working with Natural England to take appropriate mitigation measures to ensure there will be no damage in the long term.

"Many West Wight residents were anxious that the ferries might be stopped so today's ruling is good news for local Isle of Wight residents and businesses alike. This crossing is an essential part of the cross Solent transport network.