Views sought on future of troubled island ferry

Isle of Wight residents are being given the chance to share their views on the future of the Cowes Floating Bridge.

The council voted last year to replace the troubled £3.5m chain ferry, which has been plagued with issues since being installed in 2017.

Following the decision, consultants came up with options for the future of the service and ruled out ideas including a new bridge or tunnel.

As part of the consultation process, an online survey is available on the council website and drop-in sessions are due to be held later this month.

The council said, as part of a new River Medina Crossing Strategy, consultants assessed the available options for affordability, sustainability, value for money, reliability and the need to minimise traffic congestion.

They concluded the three options for the service, which crosses the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes, were to replace the existing vessel, modify it or maintain the current situation.

Options ruled out included building a new River Medina bridge, a tunnel, a new type of vessel and discontinuing the service altogether,

Answers gathered from the consultation will be used for a report to be considered by the council's transport committee in the autumn.

An online survey is available on the council's website.

Drop-in sessions are due to be held giving people the chance to speak to industry experts and council representatives. They will be held on:

• 22 July - East Cowes Town Hall (15:00 - 1900 BST)
• 23 July - Northwood House, Cowes (15:00 - 1900)
• 31 July - The Riverside Centre, Newport (15:00 - 1900)

There will also be online sessions on 7 August at 12:00 and 12 August at 18:00.

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