EAST Cowes Business Association has expressed its dismay over the continuing 'fiasco' surrounding the blighted floating bridge.

As previously reported, the floating bridge ran aground last Wednesday during Cowes Week and suffered a problem with its prow on Thursday, forcing the bridge to be escorted by 'safety' boats during the end of regatta fireworks display.

And over the weekend, it was revealed that the bridge was having to be held in position by a workboat during strong ebb tides to prevent passing yachts getting snagged on its chains.

In a statement, East Cowes Business Association said: "During this Cowes Week which is obviously a huge earning period for the businesses in our two towns the service was completely unacceptable, one of our members had to close all day on Thursday due to no footfall as a consequence of a suspended Bridge.

"We feel the people of our two towns have been ignored in this matter and certainly not been informed along the way as was promised at the town council meeting with the leader of the council.

"A permanent solution needs to be found and quickly before we lose any more businesses.

"This has gone on too long with no one taking responsibility for the design error that is obvious, I just hope this hasn’t put off prospective investment in next years Cowes week and hope that our businesses especially in the hospitality industry can make it through the winter."