Problems continue for Cowes floating bridge

The builder and designer of the Cowes floating bridge could be taken to court.

Ever since it's introduction in May 2017 Floating Bridge 6 - or the White Elephant as some have dubbed it - has suffered a catalogue of errors.

The latest suspension - in its seventh week - was supposed to last ten days but became problematic when a major fault was found with the hydraulic system.

More than 2,000 people have signed a petition calling for an investigation into its failings.

Isle of Wight council has started talks with the builder and designer to find a solution - but if they fail - the local authority says it's not ruling out going to court.

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said “We apologise for the continued delays and disruption to the service. It is important that the work to identify the root cause of the issues with the hydraulic system is as thorough as possible and this work has taken longer than anticipated.

“Once the full reports are received from the engineers, we can plan to resolve the issues, establish the time it will take to complete the works and to resume the service.”