Council Resolution on Isle of Wight Rail:

The following resolution was passed virtually unanimously last night by the Isle of Wight Council, with full cross party support.

That this council confirms their position to support the goal of a sustainable and modern rail link being provided and maintained between Ryde and Shanklin with improved rolling stock and supporting infrastructure that is fit for purpose:
a) Re affirming the view reached in March 2016 that Island line should remain an integral part of the new franchise

b) Welcoming the recent consultation exercise by the new franchisee, South Western Railway (SWR), in setting out proposals for a better railway for the Isle of Wight which also recognises the Isle of Wight Council as a key stakeholder in taking this forward

c) Supporting the position that current options under consideration should include both heavy rail and light rail

And in the light of the Government’s recent announcement in respect of the possible re-opening of previously closed branch lines:
d) Encourages our Island MP, Bob Seely, to make representations to the Secretary of State for Transport for consideration of the possible extension of rail services to Newport and Ventnor and make funding available for a feasibility study for these possible extensions

e) Includes consideration of an option that could allow for future connectivity with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway (IWSR) allowing for possible future connectivity and interoperability between both existing routes that could enable an extension from Havenstreet to St Johns Station, Ryde, and an extension from Wootton to Newport Harbour – potentially allowing for public heritage steam trains and / or passenger trains to operate between these major Island towns.

f) Agrees that the inclusion of a terminus rail station at Newport Harbour should therefore also be considered as part of the future regeneration proposals for this location.

Finally, that council should play a full part in the coming months to work with other key stakeholders to support the preparation of a final preferred option / proposal required to be submitted by SWR to the Secretary of State for Transport by 31st May 2018.