ANGRY Islanders demanded answers at a packed meeting to discuss the beleaguered floating bridge last night (Thursday).
Outraged Isle of Wight residents and business owners branded the management of the project diabolical, after experiencing weeks of disruption since the new £3.2 million vessel came into service last month.
Campaigners from the Floaty McFloat Farce protest group claimed four separate studies by Southampton University found any increase in height, weight, or width of the bridge would make it unworkable.
Despite those studies, the Floating Bridge No. 6 is 28 tons heavier, three metres longer, and a metre wider.
Cowes Business Association chair Kate Kirby said: "We feel very strongly that we are part of one community and this has divided us.
"It just seems unbelievable. If I had designed this ferry, I would have been sued by now. Why are they getting away with it?"
Island Independents leader Cllr Julia Baker-Smith said: "I absolutely share the anger and frustration that's coming from everyone in this room.
"But I also feel a deep and intense sense of embarrassment on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council for what's happened.
"The group that I now lead were in administration at the time this procurement happened.
"We placed our trust in our officers and the professionals who had been hired to do a job, and I am utterly disgusted, appalled, and embarrassed by everything that's gone on."
This morning (Friday) East Cowes Cllr Karl Love, who was among those to attend the meeting, said the vessel had broken down again.
"It's just a joke. This is not acceptable - it's just disgusting.
"Even when it breaks down, there is no customer service," he said.
Those who attended the meeting, were encouraged to submit formal complaints to the Isle of Wight Council by emailing floating.bridge@iow.gov.uk.
A further protest has been organised for July 3 at 5.30pm in East Cowes.