THE floating bridge has caused problems for sailors and East Cowes businesses in recent weeks.

The chains of the troubled floating bridge pose a risk to boats in the Medina River during the sailing season.

The keels of at least two yachts have caught on the chains in the past two weeks and Cowes harbour master Capt Stuart McIntosh has issued a notice to mariners, warning sailors the clearance above the chains had been reduced by half a metre.

He said: “We are in discussions with the Isle of Wight Council, because we were of the understanding it would have resolved the issues prior to the main season.

“The issues have not totally been resolved yet.”

Meanwhile, another East Cowes business closed its doors for the last time last Saturday, blaming a dramatic loss of custom on problems with the floating bridge.

Gary Hook, joint owner of The Hungry Pit Stop, said: “We lost a lot of customers from the Cowes side when the bridge was taken out of service, because people did not want to use it and because the bridge is unreliable.

“We put a lot of money into the business. Hopefully we will begin a sandwich van instead.”

In March, Value4U closed in the town, blaming a loss of business on the bridge.

For more on the floating bridge, pick up this week's County Press.