The much-maligned floating bridge is set to return at the end of this month, it's been revealed.
The East Cowes to Cowes service has been out of action since July 14.
It was taken out of action for planned maintenance, but has yet to return.
In a letter sent to East Cowes Town Council, Isle of Wight Council CEO John Metcalfe revealed the vessel was likely to return in the week of September 28:
"We also recognise the disruption the lack of a reliable service can cause to the daily lives of the community. The need to minimise this disruption has been central to the council’s decision to provide an alternative passenger launch service to replace the floating bridge when it is unavailable during the times of peak usage.
"The cost of providing this service has fallen to the Isle of Wight Council and is additional to the costs associated with the purchase and management of the floating bridge. Having taken legal advice, the council is following the necessary pre-action procedures to secure appropriate remedy for the damages it has suffered as set out in the supplier contracts, because the floating bridge is not yet able to provide the reliable service required of it.
"Discussions are ongoing between the council and the two companies contracted to design and build the floating bridge, with a view to recovering the costs of any financial losses sustained to date and the costs of implementing any solutions.
"Any form of compensation scheme as you have suggested is a policy decision, which is for Members to take. However, the council’s financial regulations require that any business would need to demonstrate the council were liable for its losses, including showing a clear link between a reduction in income and the withdrawal of the floating bridge."
Isle of Wight Radio has previously reported how Cllr Ian Ward, the man in charge of transport, defended the vessel's reliability.
The chain ferry has already recorded a loss of more than £400,000 this year, according to the council leader.
Its unreliability has also prompted a petition, which has so far attracted more than 2,500 signatures.
John Metcalfe's full letter can be viewed on East Cowes Town Council's website.
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