THE floating bridge will be out of action on Thursday while maintenance work takes place.

It is part of on-going work to improve the electrical and navigation systems.

Noise-damping material will also be fixed to the bridge’s prow to help reduce noise. The council has asked an independent noise consultant to take further noise measurements after the work has been completed.

The foot passengers launch will be in place while the bridge is out of service.

Cabinet leader, Cllr Dave Stewart, said: "This planned works is part of our continuing aim to get a good and reliable service for residents during this extended trial period.

"It will also give us the opportunity to look at the separate issue such as river silt build up that led to the bridge running aground on Saturday — which has, over the last couple of years, gathered at the bottom of the East Cowes slipway and it has been cleared as needed. I am clear that its removal is undertaken as a routine operation going forward."

The planned work is to:

• Install reset switches for touchscreens and hydraulic control panel to improve the current system

• Fit a replacement navigation strobe light

• Adjust the northwest CCTV camera angle

• Fit damper material to further protect the chain ferry prow.