Monergy Workshop

IW Council Press Release - Recruiting underway for new on-call Firefighters

RECRUITING UNDERWAY FOR NEW ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS

The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting more on-call firefighters to join stations and help protect residents.

There are 23 vacancies across the Island to support full-time crews.

Absolutely no experience is necessary and full, continuous training will be provided for anyone who wants to join the emergency service.

Cabinet member for community safety, Councillor Tig Outlaw, said: “We have enough firefighters to ensure the Island is safe but we’re always looking ahead.

“The role of on-call personnel is vital to support the full-time crews and offers the important flexibility to respond to emergencies when necessary.

“Many people have full-time jobs in all walks of life across the Island but also make this invaluable contribution to the community.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for Islanders to learn new skills and do their bit to help protect the community and earn extra money.”

Will Newnham, crew manager at Ryde Fire Station, started as an on-call firefighter and added: “We all come from different walks of life and day jobs but as soon as the alerter goes off, we’re one team.

“From responding to fires, road traffic collisions, floods and animal rescues, you really can expect to see anything.

“The commitment required is very real and it’s something your family needs to support but the sense of job satisfaction is huge and it’s something I’m very proud to be a part of.”

 Anyone thinking about becoming a firefighter should apply at this link: www.oncallfire.uk

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IW Council Press Release - Discounted ferry scheme launched

DISCOUNTED FERRY FARE SCHEME LAUNCHED

A major new scheme has been launched offering discounted cross-Solent travel for Island families and other residents on low incomes.

The initiative has been developed by the Isle of Wight Council with ferry companies Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel – via the Island’s Transport Infrastructure Board.

Each ferry operator has its own fixed-priced discount, covering foot passengers, cars and motorbikes, with details of prices available on their respective websites.

However, it means mainland travel costs will be made easier for work, health and other journeys for Islanders receiving housing benefit and/or local council tax support.

Council leader, Councillor Dave Stewart, said: “It’s absolutely vital that all residents on the Island have the ability to travel to the mainland when they need to, and we welcome these excellent steps that have been put in place by Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel to make this possible.

“We have been looking at a range of ways to support Islanders through the work of our Transport Infrastructure Board, and are delighted this has now borne fruit.

“This initiative also supports the work of our MP Bob Seely, who continues to highlight the unique challenges Islanders face with cross-Solent travel.”

Wightlink chief executive, Keith Greenfield, said: “We want to make sure low-income families have every opportunity to travel to the mainland for work, leisure and any other reason.

“We have worked closely with the Isle of Wight Council on this and are pleased that the discount travel scheme has now been launched.”

Red Funnel chief executive, Fran Collins, said: “We are delighted to offer fixed price fares to low income households on the Island.

“This is designed to make it easier and cheaper for eligible Islanders to visit the mainland.”

Hovertravel managing director, Neil Chapman, said: “We are passionate about supporting our local communities and we recognise that low income households struggle to pay for transport.

“Offering a fixed price discount to help families and other residents for journeys to the mainland is a positive step towards helping more people.”

To qualify for the scheme, Island residents must be claiming housing benefit and/or local council tax support. It is estimated as many as 14,000 people are in this category.

Applicants should register with the ferry company they wish to travel with, via their website, and the council will automatically assess their eligibility. 

If approved they will receive a dedicated customer account and ID code and the discount will then be applied automatically each time they book.

A minimum of seven working days in advance of travel will be needed for eligibility checks to be processed.

Those wishing to travel with Hovertravel can buy a discounted ticket at the Ryde terminal by showing a copy of their current council tax bill with evidence of local council tax support - or a copy of their current benefit notification letter together with their photo ID.

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IW Council Press Release - Improvements Planned for Floating Bridge

FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED FOR FLOATING BRIDGE

Further key works to help remedy noise and vibration issues with Cowes floating bridge are to be carried out this month.

Isle of Wight Council leader Councillor Dave Stewart said the works – including slipway matting - are part of the pledge to improve the service in all areas.

“We remain determined to make the necessary improvements to the floating bridge and these latest projects demonstrate our ongoing commitment,” said Councillor Stewart.

“We recognise its importance to the communities of Cowes and East Cowes and this work is the next stage of our plan.”

Composite mesh matting will be fixed on the Cowes concrete slipway today (Tuesday), before the installation of a ‘shoe’ follows next week.

Both the matting and the shoe – a device covering the end of the ramp to provide a flat landing point with the Cowes slipway – aim to reduce noise and vibration levels.

The floating bridge will be out of service while the work is carried out, including tonight from 7pm to 11.30pm.

A passenger launch will be in place during the work.

Normal service will resume tomorrow (Wednesday).

The shoe is due to be fitted later this month.

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