The troubled Cowes Floating Bridge has once again been pulled from service owing to an issue with a prow cable.
It’s been confirmed by the Isle of Wight Council that the East Cowes to Cowes service has been suspended this morning (Sunday) and won’t resume until repairs are completed on Monday.
A replacement foot passenger service across the River Medina has been launched. Motorists are having to divert via Newport though.
This suspension of service is the latest in a long running saga surrounding Floating Bridge No.6 – with more issues than can be sensibly listed.
Council officials apologise for any inconvenience caused.
UPDATE MONDAY – The floating bridge is back up and running as of 11:15.
I am getting really bored with hearing yet again its faulty.
When oh when will this fiasco end?
Which used to have its own engineers and local engineers that work 24/7 since brown envelopes handed out to other companies this is the service we get.
Does seem now to be not very well constructed.
Why on earth do we not take it to a proper repair yard and get it fixed properly.
The gift that just keeps on giving, the abortion is not fit for purpose and should be got rid of, at this stage it would probably be cheaper to have another one built but by a reputable company and designed by a qualified engineer preferably with no input from the Sandown village idiot ward.
It’s not worth commentating anymore but…. Until County Hall take this seriously the biggest damage will be done to their credibility, despite the fact that it is the same existing Council employees, getting £110k+, who are responsible for selling this garbage to the councillors in the first place! START to take control of this NOW and sort it out!!
Council should admit defeat on this it’s getting embarrassing. Name and shame the manufacturers and stop wasting money that could be spent better going towards a split bridge between Fairlee and stag lane area. Even if it’s toll £1 each way people will happily pay if it saves them time on commutes and frees up Coppins bridge traffic.
This iconic ferry! How much extra pollution has it generated through being out of service compared to the retired ‘gas guzzler’?
Gosh is does seem frail and unlikely to last very long without needing expensive repairs.
Our council tax is very high now so I wonder if the fares will keep rising to pay for others follies in lack of foresight when signing for this vessel.
Has anybody got Cliftongrades phone number?
Try 01983 292611. You’ll get instant service – unlike you-know-who with
their bullsh!t response: “Council officials apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Jesus Christ! Get rid already.STOP WASTING OUR COUNCIL TAX
Didn’t know it was running…..
back in 2017
https://www.iow.gov.uk/azservices/documents/1335-Floating-Bridge-Frequently-Asked-Questions-V4-201701219.pdf
Was the initial specification for the design of the new chain ferry the entire responsibility of the IWC or did the funders, the Solent LEP insist upon approving it before issue?
The initial specification was the responsibility of the IWC
Who checked the development of the design into engineering manufacturing drawings by BCTQ?
The IWC approved the concept design, whilst regular meetings were held between BCTQ, council officers and the Owner’s Representative to discuss the production design by Mainstay Marine
https://www.iow.gov.uk/azservices/documents/1335-Floating-Bridge-Frequently-Asked-Questions-V4-201701219.pdf
14.It is noted that the “Condition Report on the old Floating Bridge No 5” was produced by BCTQ on 23.09.2016, one year after they were awarded the contract to design the new Cowes Floating Bridge. It is also noted, however, that the crucial element, the hull, was assessed by BCTQ as “Good”. If so, why was a new Floating Bridge deemed necessary, when it had been more than self-funding, in fact in profit for years?
Perhaps they should have bought a “spare”
I see my comments have been selectively censored yet again. Truth a bit too painful to hear eh IE?
Why not build a lifting bridge less hassle and more reliable then sack as ll the idiots on the council
The J ARTHUR RANKERS who authorised this pile of JUNK Need to be made to make some sort of financial restitution and banned from any type of public office forever