Floating bridge out of action again

THE TROUBLED floating bridge service linking Cowes with East Cowes is out of action again this morning (Thursday).

The £3.2m bridge was put back into service by Isle of Wight Council highways bosses for trials on Monday this week.

However, the service was suspended again this morning after a technical fault developed on one of the ramps.

A replacement passenger launch is in place while engineers investigate the problem.

A council spokeswoman said that the authority would like to apologise for the inconvenience and would be giving an update later today.

* An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson has this morning (Friday) said: "Engineers undertook diagnostics yesterday which established an issue with the Floating Bridge ramps.

"Unfortunately, to resolve, this required the need for a part to be sent overnight and that this will be fitted today. As a consequence, the engineers were unable to work overnight.

"It is hopeful to return to service this afternoon."