Talks about the Isle of Wight council getting its money back from the troubled multi-million pound Cowes Floating Bridge 6 (FB6) have continued and seem to be heading towards a resolution.
Following an unsuccessful meeting in London last month, where all parties failed to reach an agreement, the authority has been continuing talks with the mediator.
Plagued with problems, malfunctions and breakdowns
FB6 has been plagued with problems, malfunctions and breakdowns since it was installed on the River Medina in 2017 and the authority has been trying to get back some of the money it has spent and lost along the way.
While the sum could not be disclosed, the council is looking for a multi-million-pound payout from the designers (BCTQ) and builders (Mainstay Marine) of FB6.
Dispute over settlement
The reason a settlement could not be reached in March, Cllr Phil Jordan, the cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said at the time was the difference in figures between what the council wanted and what it was being offered.
The difference, Cllr Jordan said, was in the millions.
Gap between figures significantly narrowed
In an interim update given at the authority’s corporate scrutiny committee last night (Tuesday), Cllr Jordan said mediation was not limited to one day, but has been ongoing since March, through a mediator working with all parties.
Cllr Jordan said the gap between the figures had been significantly narrowed, but no final agreement had been reached.
There was hope, though, that a resolution could be made without having to go to court.
Delay to FB6’s return
As reported by News OnTheWight yesterday, the Cowes to East Cowes crossing was due to be back in action today (Wednesday) but the return has now been pushed back until 23rd April.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Jordan said the vessel’s return was delayed while the authority awaits another inspection from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which will determine if it can be put back into service.
Damage to windows
In the latest series of unfortunate events for the vessel, when it was being put back into place last week following an MCA inspection in Falmouth, the strong tide pushed FB6 against the seawall, shattering windows.
The windows are set to be replaced but as a safety matter have been boarded up.
When asked if the broken windows would cause any problems at the upcoming MCA inspection, Cllr Jordan said no.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: With kind permission of Les Lockhart
