Slipway repairs are put on hold

By David Newble

Saturday, November 14, 2009

PLANS by the Isle of Wight Council to withdraw the floating bridge service connecting Cowes and East Cowes to effect repairs to the slipways have been put on hold due to budgetary pressures, the County Press has learned.

However, the Isle of Wight Council confirmed it would soon be starting works at the bridge to make safety improvements to the pontoons.

The council’s head of highways and transport, Peter Hayward, said: "We are soon to start works to the floating bridge to make safety and accessibility improvements to the pontoons used for a passenger service when the ferry is out of action. This work is unlikely to impact at all on the floating bridge operation itself."

Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk