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LDOS criticised for “dictating to the community” over Sunday ferry 18/5/09
Jean Davis, Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for the Western Isles, has called for an early resolution to the Sunday ferry issue.
‘I am heartened by the recognition of Cal Mac that Sunday ferries are now inevitable for routes to Harris and Lewis. I am concerned that the situation could still drag on given the reluctance of the council to engage in discussion with the ferry operator last week.’
‘Sunday ferries are vital to the future sustainability of these islands. We have heard that our population is again declining and of course we are an aging population.
“We need actions which will encourage economically active people to come and live here and we need people to care for the increasing numbers in the population who need help’
‘Sunday ferries will allow people to live here and to make use of facilities on the mainland without taking time out from their jobs. They will also allow people who do live away to visit more regularly which will strengthen family ties here.’
‘The time to introduce services is as soon as possible to take account of the economic advantages of introduction early in the tourist season and perhaps visiting tourists may take positive reports of our lifestyle back to their homes.’
‘I do not believe that the addition of a Sunday ferry to the present Sunday flights will greatly affect Sundays here.
“Of course the LDOS will argue differently. It is not for them as a minority group of churchgoers to dictate to the rest of the community. They do not speak for all churchgoers (of which I am one) or for the rest of the community.
“I recognise their deeply held views but they do not have to use the ferry, a choice which those who wish to sail on Sunday currently do not have.’
‘I look forward to an early and positive resolution on the issue of Sunday ferries.’