WORK to begin dredging the eastern channel in Cowes Harbour has been delayed until the end of summer 2017, according to Cowes Harbour Commission.
The proposed dredging, part of the master plan to re-shape the harbour, will also see a new 400-berth marina built in East Cowes, as well as an extension to The Shrape breakwater.
However, lengthy negotiations between the commission and the Homes and Communities Agency, which owns land at East Cowes, means a funding agreement between the two bodies has yet to be agreed, delaying the start of work until after the summer season.
The dredging work was supposed to have been finished by April next year.

Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk