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The long-awaited review into the Isle of Wight’s £50,000 Floating Bridge delay might finally clear the way for a shiny new ferry service between Cowes and East Cowes.
£47,520 Review Delayed but Pivotal
A thorough six-month probe into the “two remaining issues” dogging Floating Bridge 6 wrapped up last December. Commissioned by Isle of Wight Council and carried out by 3S Services, the investigation cost nearly £50,000. Though the report has arrived at County Hall, the council is holding back on publishing it immediately. Instead, they will fold its findings into bigger plans for the service’s future.
Council Leader Demands Electric Upgrade
Earlier this year, Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr Phil Jordan revealed his ambition to replace the ageing Floating Bridge with an electric vessel. He’s pushing for a fresh strategy to boost and maintain the link, calling in industry pros and engineering whizzes to pitch ideas for a greener, more reliable service in 2024.
Council Community Services Director Backs the Plan
At a recent meeting, council community services head Colin Rowland stressed it made perfect sense to merge the old issues report with the new vision for the future to deliver a comprehensive plan.
Floating Bridge 6’s Rocky Road Since 2017
Launched in 2017, Floating Bridge 6 has been plagued by technical faults. These have led to lengthy service stoppages, frustrating commuters and locals alike.
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