A PETITION launched by ferry users and businesses affected and angered by cross-Solent ferry issues has seen the number of people sign it rise to almost 11,000.

Islanders are urging the Isle of Wight's two new MPs — Richard Quigley (IW West) and Joe Robertson (East) — to continue putting pressure on the new government to regulate ferry services offered by Wightlink and Red Funnel.

The state of the ferries was arguably the biggest Island issue at the General Election. 

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Simon Jackson, a disgruntled ferry user, started a petition on the Wightlink Users Facebook page a fortnight ago, which has gathered pace and attracted national media interest.

He described the Island's ferry services as "beyond expensive" and "beyond a joke", and that passengers were "being used as cash cows", with business and tourism affected.

Simon also fired a broadside at the companies' lack of reliability, complaining about regular delays and cancellations to sailings.  

As of this afternoon (Friday, August 16), 10,926 have signed the petition, to show their anger and displeasure at the state of ferry services.

Behind the petition, on the Wightlink Users Facebook page, the complaints raised are not only of the "absolutely extortionate" cost of cross-Solent travel, but also the regularity of technical or staffing problems, which have been dogging the companies' services with cancellations or delays.

Residents, businesses and MPs agree fares are now too expensive, with locals calling on Wightlink and Red Funnel to make travel more affordable.

Wightlink runs routes between Portsmouth, Fishbourne and Ryde, and Lymington and Yarmouth, while Red Funnel operates between Southampton, Cowes and East Cowes.

Both ferry companies say, in their defence, they work hard to provide affordable travel for Islanders, offering various discounts.

But comments on social media have overwhelmingly gone on the offensive against the companies.

Among those who have commented is Cheryl Buggy, who said of the fares and service: "It’s very bad news for the Island economy. It will put people off moving here or coming on holiday."

Rachel Smith echoed her sentiment, adding: "I hope enough pressure could ensure some regulated pricing structure and more reliable service to serve both Islanders and visitors."

Alan Phillips added his own idea of starting to solve the issue, by holding a Question Time-style event, inviting the cross-Solent transport providers, but with the notion of being 'empty-chaired' if they didn't turn up, with the Island MPs and a business representative.