An update on the Cowes Floating Bridge — including the ongoing legal case — is provided in a new Isle of Wight Council report published yesterday (Wednesday).
The paper, to go before Cabinet members next Thursday (14th October), sets out the case for commissioning an independent review to determine whether the vessel is fit for purpose in relation to the original specification and operating requirements.
Cabinet Office Review
The study — known as a Cabinet Office ‘Gateway 5 Review — has been requested by the main funding partner for Floating Bridge 6, the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (SLEP), and will be completed by November 2021.
Review will help inform future decisions
The report will help inform future decisions including, if appropriate, a list of further actions required to be taken to the current vessel or the production of a suitable business case for any replacement.
Ongoing legal action
The Cabinet paper also confirms that the council continues to be involved in a legal action against both the naval architects (BCTQ) and the boat builders (Mainstay Marine) to seek recompense for the poor performance of the vessel and other associated costs.
An agreement has been reached between the three parties to seek to settle the dispute through mediation in an effort to avoid lengthy and costly court proceedings. It is intended to complete the process by the end of the year.
Recommendations
Cabinet members are being asked to note the contents of the paper and approve the production of a further report to be presented to councillors early next year with further options.
Jordan: A necessary, yet considered, way forward
Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said,
“The paper proposes a necessary, yet considered, way forward to assist the council in taking the best possible decisions to resolve the current challenges and achieve the required performance levels in the future.
“I would want the public to understand that we have no choice but to carry out the independent report and conclude the mediation process before we can take any final decision about the future of the floating bridge.”
To read the Cabinet paper in full, see below.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
