New Forest Post
Campaigners set up ferry fighting fund
CAMPAIGNERS fighting a controversial scheme to introduce new ferries to a Hampshire waterway have appealed for funds to help pay for the battle ahead.
Members of the Lymington River Association have launched a petition as they step up a bid to stop Wightlink from replacing its Isle of Wight ferries with new larger vessels.
And now they have gone one step further by setting up a "fighting fund" to pay for a crucial judicial review which they say could have a bearing on whether the scheme gets the go ahead.
A campaign leaflet states: "We are collecting funds for a possible judicial review of the regulator's decision not to order a full Environmental Impact Assessment and would welcome contributions to our Fighting Fund."
They say any surplus funds will be given to SailAbility, a charity for disabled sailors.
The introduction of new larger ferries has caused outrage among some Lymington River-users who fear added water displacement will increase erosion of the area's salt marshes.
Protestors have already held a first public meeting chaired by MP Desmond Swayne as they bid to put a stop to the introduction of the new £10m boats.
Wight Sky, the second of Wightlink's controversial new fleet, has been earmarked to join the Lymington to Yarmouth service later this year and will be tested before setting sail for the UK from Croatia.
The vessels will displace almost twice as much water as the current 34-year-old models and will have space for 65 cars.
12:08pm Tuesday 6th May 2008
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