The floating bridge is ‘losing a million pounds a year and nothing’s happening’, an exasperated Isle of Wight councillor bemoaned earlier this week.
East Cowes Town Councillor Karl Love sought answers over a replacement of the troubled Cowes-East Cowes chain ferry which County Hall’s cabinet agreed to replace in March last year.
In November, the council’s former chair said he was ‘absolutely furious’ about the handling of the replacement process and urged the authority to “get on and build it” rather than carrying out consultation work.
Cllr Love told the chamber:
“14 months ago this council agreed to start a process of replacing the floating bridge and here we are 14 months later, not so much as a nut, screw or nail has been purchased to replace that floating bridge.
“And it’s reported that the floating bridge, in operations, is losing at least £1 million per year and it’s not being discussed. What are we doing to mitigate against those losses? What actions are we going to take?
“When are we actually going to start the process of replacing it physically, not keep talking about it? And how much money have we spent on that process of talking about it?”
Council leader Phil Jordan declined to answer Cllr Love’s questions, responding:
“It doesn’t fall under the remit that I have. There is a committee with a chair that has the floating bridge as part of its authority and oversight.”
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, the new chair of the economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said:
“There is a report coming to the new committee in July. I did call you a couple of days ago, Cllr Love, to say that I would update you as soon as I have any more news.
“I haven’t had any update myself regarding the situation. I’ve got my first meeting with officers, Cllr Ward and I, next week for agenda setting and presumably there is going to be some form of briefing for all members, or definitely the committee members and local members.
“I haven’t got much to say regarding the historical element of it as I wasn’t directly involved.”
All we need is a lift up toll bridge that won’t break down and produces revenue.
Build a bridge across, maybe a swing bridge and charge boats to open it a bit like Yarmouth.
It would be such an asset to the Island.
It would make a huge difference to people and drivers.
It would look great.
It would stop the loss of money that is constantly being wasted.
How difficult could it be!
Simples! The Council are too far up their own ar*** to think outside the box. Swing bridge/lift bridge is clearly the answer.
Best way to finish off this cash cow is to get the
Royal Navy to take it out to sea and sink it.
Then just build a footbridge across, job done.
In the long run it will save millions of pounds.
Never ever will there be a fixed bridge or lift up one no money no desire ever to do it no space no location.They spent £100.000 back in the 80s..it got shelved end off.
If this pile of crap is losing a million pounds of OUR MONEY then it should be taken out of service, just have the launch service and motorists will have to go through Newport as they have had to during the endless periods of the damn thing being broken
Phil Jordan declined to comment now what a suprise, that bellend is only cruising for a pension, no interest in the islandwhatsoever and because there’s nothing to say, total failure from the beginning.
The old never dies yet they replaced it with this total crap , junk waste of space, excuse for a boat which has left everyone out of pocket .
There are the talkers and there are the doers you pay the money and take your choice