Campaigners set up company to aid boost for £1.2 billion fixed link from Isle of Wight to Gosport

Pro-Link, a group lobbying for the tunnel between the island and either Gosport or Fareham, have set up Able Connections Ltd to liaise with transport bodies on its plans.

Businessman Carl Feeney, the chairman of Pro-Link, said the creation of the company would help open doors for the campaigners to help with a feasibility study into the £1.2bn tunnel.

The group’s plan involves the construction of two dual-carriageway tunnels – one from Whippingham to a location between Warsash and Browndown in Gosport and anther connecting traffic with the M27.

Mr Feeney told The News: ‘Setting up a company allows us to open up conversations with transport bodies and to help present our case. We continue to remain in discussions with Isle of Wight Council and we’re still pushing for a feasibility study to be carried out.’

The News revealed the ambitious plans last year, which could potentially see the underground tunnel built underneath parts of Gosport and the construction of a new motorway junction on the M27.

Drivers would be charged £1 per journey to use the tunnel.

Mr Feeney added: ‘A tunnel would help to speed up traffic in Gosport. I think authorities would be looking to fight over getting the tunnel in their area.’

Councillor Mark Hook, leader of Gosport Borough Council said that he had not had any contact from the company or campaign group.

He said: ‘Quite frankly, I cannot envisage this happening as the logistics of it just don’t add up.

‘I do wish them well with the idea but I think it’s more of an aspiration.’

The group have set up a feasibility study, asking for residents to give their thoughts on the plans. Go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FLFeasibilitystudy to give your thoughts.