LETTERSFrom Cllr Margaret Prior (mayor of East Cowes):
IT was a relief to learn from last week’s CP that capital has been found to replace our ageing chain ferry through "prudential borrowing" — a loan to be repaid over 25 years, apparently, (CP, 13-01-12).
The floating bridge is not legally part of the highway system but it is, however, a "major piece of transport infrastructure and a vital public link" to quote Cllr Edward Giles.
Our thanks go to ward councillors Giles and Webster for their efforts behind the scenes.
I would also like to thank all those who took part in protests and meetings this time last year, instigated by my predecessor Cllr Peter Lloyd, against the IW Council’s plans to introduce fares for foot passengers of 50p per crossing. Some 1,800 people signed a petition in protest, which was presented to Cllr Giles, and I like to think this duly led to the recent promise there would be safeguards ensuring foot passengers and cyclists could continue to travel without charge on the new ferry, even if private contractors come in at a later date.
If the contract for the new vessel goes out to tender on a design-and-build basis, with emphasis on innovation in design and technology, this could be of great interest to our team of Southampton University postgraduate engineering students, who are currently studying the bridge in all its aspects for their masters’ thesis.
From Alan Bennett, Northwood:
Cheaper option: Excuseme if I am over-simplifying matters but is the floating bridge not just a steel platform with an engine to drive the chain mechanism?
If the floating chassis is so degraded that it is not safe, then fine, but if it’s not, why not renew the engine and chain mechanism with modern equivalents, re- wire the electrics, refurbish the fittings and paint it? That would be nowhere near £3 million.
Just because it is 36 years old does not mean it is at its 'end of life’, does it?
As an electro-mechanical engineer of over 20 years’ experience, I would love to see the details of the assessment that has condemned this equipment to the scrap heap in a time of great austerity.
From Mike Dorey, Yarmouth:
Consult now: The idea that a Island firm might win the contract to build the new floating bridge could be a dream unless discussions take place with local firms before the tender is set out under European rules.
Remember the last supply of UK Custom Cutters under EU tender was placed in the Netherlands. EU tenders are a difficult process, only when tight specification and a points-award system are drawn up before tender publication could a local company stand a chance.
So how about stepping outside the box, no steel to rust and paint, go for GRP and aluminium structure, all of which would save massive maintenance cost and a longer life, fewer weeks out of service, lower operating cost?