Legal talks over the troublesome Cowes Floating Bridge are potentially drawing to a close, the Isle of Wight council has said.
Speaking at the full council meeting last night (Wednesday), Cllr Phil Jordan, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said the local authority is very close to agreeing a resolution in the dispute over Floating Bridge 6.
News due ‘in the very near future’
Cllr Jordan said, subject to some minor details not central to the dispute, an announcement will be made ‘in the very near future’.
However, due to the sensitive nature of legal discussions, he did not make further comment.
Discussions ongoing since March
The Isle of Wight council entered mediation with the builders and designers of Floating Bridge 6 in March.
Discussions have been ongoing, in the bid for a ‘fair and acceptable settlement’.
The £3.2 million boat, which runs between Cowes and East Cowes, has been plagued with problems, malfunctions and breakdowns since it was installed in 2017.
The cost to the council and subsequent losses since 2017 have been eye-watering.
Reason for the legal action
The Isle of Wight council started legal action to get back some of the money lost through repairs, fees and added costs, including a replacement launch.
It followed years of talk and followed a government report that said the vessel was ‘potentially poorly designed’ with ‘several apparent design’ issues.
Significant issues
Government inspectors found a working service was ‘feasible’ but said the chain ferry had ‘significant issues’.
Alliance administration councillors have not ruled out replacing Floating Bridge 6 altogether, but will not comment until mediation ends.
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 Allan Marsh
