"Monopolising East Cowes": Businesses "Anger" Over Red Funnel's Food Kiosk

Red Funnel has been accused of trying to "monopolise" East Cowes after it opened a food kiosk at its terminal, despite not yet having planning permission.

The ferry firm has put an application in with Isle of Wight councillors, but has already opened the stand without getting the go ahead.

As the kiosk is portable, a spokesperson for the company said it doesn't actually need approval and it only applied to be "completely transparent".

It's opening is said to have prompted "anger" among residents and businesses in the town however, who have accused the firm of a lack of communication - and taking much-needed custom.

Owner of East Cowes' The Lunch Box Cafe, Olivia Clarke, said she feels there is a "very us and them" approach in the town.

"I have spoke to a lot of local businesses and I haven't heard a positive comment about the kiosk yet.

"There is one store in town that sells pretty much the exact same product that Red Funnel are offering in their kiosk and I don't think they're too happy about it."

"I would say the majority of feeling is anger, but I do think it's because of a lack of communication. Whatever [Red Funnel] do, it feels like we're not consulted. It feels like they don't partake in the community spirit and East Cowes has a fantastic community spirit among its business owners."

The kiosk sells hot food including hot dogs and burgers, and is already up and running in the firm's East Cowes marshalling yard.

Olivia's warned it could be the latest nail in the coffin to businesses in the town, which have already had to endure the COVID-19 pandemic, disruption from York Avenue works and road closures caused by a burst water main. 

"Generally the Island needs tourism and Red Funnel are our key in East Cowes to tourism", she said.

"The footfall that we get from the ferries, particularly when they're delayed or cancelled you really do see a difference in people walking around the town. They've got nothing else to do. They might pop into the gift shop, grab a coffee or a bite to eat.

"It feels like that is being taken away, the customers are going to be kept in the Red Funnel vicinity and in their grasp and it's a shame for the whole town really."

As Isle of Wight Radio first reported, Red Funnel plans on operating the kiosk every summer for at least the next three years, and removing it at the end of each period. 

During half-terms and holidays, it will open from 8am until 8pm.

The firm said it provides an alternative to its currently-closed retail unit, gives customers a COVID-secure option and is providing employment.

A Red Funnel statement said:

“The new kiosk situated at East Cowes has opened to provide refreshments for customers as the retail unit inside the terminal has not yet reopened. The temporary portable outdoor structure reduces the need for passengers to cross the lane used for loading and unloading ferries and has provided employment opportunities for the community in East Cowes.  

"It also provides an opportunity for customers, who may be concerned about queuing and waiting in a building, to remain outside and in the open air.

“As a portable structure, we have been advised that planning approval is not required. However, for complete transparency with the local community, we have put forward a planning application and the kiosk is open whilst this process takes place. We continue to work closely with East Cowes Town Council and have discussed the kiosk with them.”

According to the plans, two full-time staff and two part-time staff are being employed at the kiosk.

Red Funnel's application can be viewed (and commented on) on the council's planning portal, quoting reference number 21/01079/FUL.