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Floating Bridge: More Than A Thousand Back Calls For 'Independent Investigation'

More than 1,000 people have backed a petition calling for an independent investigation into the floating bridge.

The vessel, which connects Cowes and East Cowes, remains out of action due to a fault with its hydraulics system.

Last week the man in charge of it, Cllr Ian Ward, told Isle of Wight Radio "the lemon is better than people think".

However, his comments have come under criticism, with a petition now calling for an independent investigation.

It reads:

"The chain ferry has become a significant burden for both local businesses and Island Council tax payers. The decisions and purchase strategies need to be disclosed to the general public highlighting the poor project leadership and strategic planning of a service that has failed to provide.

"The communication between public transport, island roads and communities has demonstrated its importance to which has failed to improve or even exist. An independent investigation into these strategies and decisions must be launched giving the Isle of Wight communities answers to a failed ferry service and poor communication surrounding road works within a 3 mile radius of the chain ferry.

"The Council CEO must then take action to ensure such poor management of these strategies are not repeated costing tax payers money."

Cllr Ward insists the vessel is "reliable" - and hopes it will be back in service early next month (September).

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