SPS Registers Objection to Larger Ferries
The Solent Protection Society (SPS) has registered its objection to the introduction of the proposed larger ferries on the Lymington to Yarmouth route. The Solent Protection Society is fully aware of the considerable anxiety over the potential environmental and safety impact of the new ferries being built for the Lymington-Yarmouth route.
At the Society's Annual General Meeting held at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club on 3rd December, SPS President, Peter Nicholson, said that for over a year the SPS Council had debated the situation extensively at all their meetings and had met the key players; Wightlink, the Lymington Harbour Commissioners and representatives of Lymington yacht clubs. In the light of additional information recently made public by Wightlink and in the Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons on 27th November, the Society has decided to oppose the ferries pending the analysis of the assessments commissioned by the Lymington Harbour Commissioners.
A Resolution was passed as follows:
It is agreed that the Solent Protection Society will register its objection to the introduction of new ferries on the Lymington to Yarmouth route, pending the completion of the relevant competent assessments prior to the ferries entering service. These assessments must be made public.
SPS Council Chairman, Sheelagh de Carteret Evans, said:
Whilst appreciating the need for new ferries we are concerned at the potential impact of the proposed new ferries and have contacted Wightlink and the Lymington Harbour Commissioners to register our objection. We will be carefully monitoring the outcome of the relevant assessments.