A local councillor has apologised for the ongoing Floating Bridge fiasco – but he says that there will be a service tonight (Friday) and is encouraging Islanders to enjoy the annual Cowes Week fireworks.
Yesterday afternoon the troubled Floating Bridge No.6 was pulled from operation due to a mechanical issue with the prow. The vessel hasn’t run since, but the Isle of Wight Council say that ‘special arrangements’ have been put in place to ensure the chain ferry runs for the busiest night of the year.
This photo, sent to Island Echo, shows what appears to be a strap holding part of the prow. It’s thought to be a temporary measure.
2 safety boats will be escorting the Floating Bridge on its short journey between East Cowes and Cowes throughout this evening.
Councillor Karl Love, who has been campaigning hard for his residents, has issued a statement in which he says:
“Sorry is all I can say about the Floating bridge fiasco but that’s not enough to compensate all those who were stranded last night by the bridge failures and a launch service which ended at 11pm.
“There will be a bridge service tonight so please come enjoy the town and fireworks and have a fun time.
“I have been trying to extract information from the Isle of Wight Council and our leadership about the Bridge. It’s not been forthcoming to me or other local councillors and I still know very little other than what’s in the press. Our town council was promised better communications but what we have received is less than previously communicated to us.
Article continues below this advertisement “I do hope the thousands of island residents remember this total fiacso and exclusion of local councillors from important communications at the next general election which I feel is coming soon. We have not heard a word from Bob Seely about this fiasco either.
“I can only apologise that I could not do more to support residents but I just don’t have any further information”.
