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Grounded! Cowes Floating Bridge Out Of Service Again

Floating Bridge - photo thanks to Cllr Palin

The Cowes to East Cowes floating bridge has been grounded once again.

Isle of Wight Radio understands there is yet another problem with the vessel.

Repairs are being carried out to the prow hydraulic ram.

The chain ferry is expected to be out of service for a few hours.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said:

"A replacement service has been launched for floating bridge foot passengers, following an issue with a prow hydraulic ram.

"The temporary service will continue until repairs are carried out. We expect this to be a few hours.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Photo thanks to Cllr Palin

Parish Councillor for the ward, Cameron Palin told Isle of Wight Radio:

"I’ve just headed down to the Floating Bridge, engineering are currently in the process of replacing one of the prow hydraulic rams. I am glad to see the launch service is now in place and running for foot passengers.”

“We cannot afford to keep running this unreliable and infrequent floating bridge. The Isle of Wight Council are continuing to waste millions of pounds of taxpayers money on this floating bridge. Whoever takes the Isle of Wight Council administration on Wednesday needs to meet with us local councillors, the relieve county councillors and engineer to find a feasible solution.”

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