Paul and Eve Evans, Northampton:

Both my wife and I have been visiting the Isle of Wight since the 1960s, if not slightly before. 

We have always enjoyed the beautiful scenery, lovely beaches, and everything that makes the Island so unique.

However, we visited on a four night break last week and have noticed some aspects which unfortunately spoilt our visit.

Firstly, the cost of the ferry. We received a 25 per cent discount from our accommodation provider but the cost for a car and two passengers was £169.

We understand that a third ferry company may be starting a service. Hopefully they will heavily undercut Wightlink and Red Funnel, who have had the monopoly for so many years.

Secondly, we went to Sandown, such a beautiful beach, but a lot of the properties that have closed on the seafront have collapsed roofs and broken windows, making it look similar to a war zone!

We took a drive towards Ventnor only to find that the road was closed due to landslip, but there was no advanced warning of this incident.

Thirdly, we ate out during our stay, and although we understand that hospitality has suffered during Covid and the cost of living crisis, we found that the prices had increased significantly, but the quality had gone in the opposite direction.

In the past, we had always left the Island, wishing we could stay longer.

On this occasion we couldn't wait to leave and are not sure if we would return.

It gives the impression that the Island doesn't really want tourism or take it seriously.

I would suspect that the high cost of the ferry would discourage families with young children from going.