The Council of the Isles of Scilly has written to the government to request additional support for the islands’ lifeline transport services due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Robert Francis, Chairman of the Council of the Isles of Scilly has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Transport thanking the government for financial support earlier in the pandemic, but stressing the urgent need for confirmation of further support to ensure the long-term viability of Scilly’s transport links:
“We are forever grateful to the government for providing lifeline services support to our transport operators to help us through this period which allowed our islands to open again and welcome our visitors back safely. But as we now look to the autumn and winter we need the reassurance that this support will be there until the spring.”
This letter follows the Council’s recent submission of a business plan to the Department for Transport detailing how operators plan to overcome the significant challenges posed by the pandemic and emphasising the vital need for further financial support in order to do so.
The ongoing case to government has full support from all councillors and local transport operators, including the Steamship Company, Tresco Estate and Penzance Helicopters. It is also supported by Derek Thomas MP who recognises the significant impact a failure in the transport network would have in both Scilly and Cornwall.