One year has passed since this blog somehow plonked me, for a brief but horrible moment, into local politics. Damn those Twitter mentions. At the time, I dealt civilly with the little attention it garnered and avoided any bait to keep my place in such circles. In all, it was a terrifying insight, proving that the lobbyists in Sim City 2000 aren’t cartoonish but eerily uncanny.

I decided that if I had anything else to add on the subject I would only do so after enough time had passed for things to have actually happened. I have no idea if they have – I’ve literally moved on! So this presents to me the opportunity to give my two cents on an issue to which I am now local – should the Isle of Wight have a fixed link to the mainland?

The main reasons put forward for having a fixed link are economic development, cultural connections to the wider area, and beating the personal cost and hassle of ferry transportation. I think the first isn’t really true, the second is half true and the last is definitely true.

I have no doubt that a fixed link would bring a lot of money to the Island, and would make a lot of money for some, but I definitely don’t think it would make a lot of money for the average Islander. Rather than create a higher standard of career and lifestyle on the Island, I think tourism would explode, Islanders’ choices would become narrower and they would start to become priced out of their own towns and villages. Essentially, exactly what has happened to Cornwall. All this can do is weaken the community what with outside ownership, seasonality, less affordable housing and a lower permanent population. These things are seen as a double-edged sword at their current levels. Fixed link would tip this over into a thankless problem.

Making the Island less economically attractive for mainland businesses by not having a fixed link may lose it a wealth of low-hanging fruit but it leaves open the chance to shape its own markets, brands and image which in itself could bring both monetary and spiritual pride and success. The potential the isolation brings, in terms of creative and sustainable possibilities, is exciting.

I also don’t really buy the argument that a fixed link would encourage Islanders to stay for economic reasons: I think it would make a lot of people consider taking a mainland job, which wouldn’t actually benefit the Island in the long run and would act as a constant temptation for people to leave in order to be closer to their jobs.

A fixed link would enable Islanders to feel that they are part of a wider community and would allow them to engage, therefore, with a wider culture. I can see the merit in this argument. For instance, I would love to easily be able to go to events in Southampton that interest me all the time, such as Jo Safaer’s inaugural lecture at my old university. But I simply can’t afford it. To go across to the mainland for the odd day as a family, or to travel and visit relatives, or to go on a week’s holiday; yes. But for every gathering, show, lecture, exhibition, market or sale that interests me? No. And that’s a shame because I will miss out on a lot of great things.

There is, however, part of me that thinks, although there are things that I’ll unavoidably miss out on, just like most other Islanders, shouldn’t this act as motivation to build up and add to the culture and community here? It’s already something I’ve noticed about the Island: people care about it. In Somerset, I can’t remember having many, if any, conversations with regular people about tangible local issues. And I’m not just talking about bus shelters and Christmas tree collections, I mean about big issues, topics that show that people are awake and give a damn about the place in which they live.

Take this topic for example. Every Islander seems to have their POV fully thought out on it and is ready and willing to engage about it at any time. It’s great to live somewhere where people care because it makes where you live actually feel alive. I think that the only thing people may need here is a shot of confidence, to feel that their ideas and engagement is enough to qualify action. From the people I’ve met and the conversations I’ve had, the potential is huge.

Another great thing about not having a fixed link is that it tests your resolve. You only live here if you really, really want to and you live here knowing that those around you have made that decision too which nurtures togetherness.

The last reason for a fixed link, to combat the expensive ferry prices, is unarguable. If Islanders lose out because they can’t afford the ferry then either the ferry prices should be capped, subsidised or a completely separate non-profit service should operate just for residents. There are plenty of options, regardless of what those currently involved in such decision-making activities would let you think. But at this point I think I’m re-entering those murky waters of local politics - I wouldn’t want to step on another jellyfish!

Overall, I don’t think the Island should have a fixed link. Having made the decision to move here for the Island as it is and how I think it could be, it would disappoint me if one was to be built. But, in all honestly, I don’t think it will. The idea has been mooted for decades, ever since the technology to do so has made it possible, and I think that if it was an investment worth making for somebody they would have done so by now.

That in itself sums up my point. Fixed link would only ever happen in order for outside money to make money. Whether the lives of Islanders would improve isn’t part of their equation. Exploitation is too strong a word. Perhaps mining would suffice.

To be mined, or to sustainably be ourselves (whatever we decide that is)? I know which one I would choose.

This month's favourites:
   BØRNS, Blue Madonna
   Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged (Still!)
   The Red Turtle (2016)