An Isle of Wight councillor has questioned the local authority's decision to suspend the floating bridge from next week, saying he fears it could negatively affect the economy of Cowes and East Cowes.
As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, the vessel will be out of action for at least ten days from Tuesday (14). The council says it is for essential maintenance and a passenger-only service will be in place instead.
Cabinet Member in charge of transport on the Island, Cllr Ian Ward, said it has been "very difficult" to time the works without affecting floating bridge users.
However, Cllr Karl Love - whose ward is East Cowes - says maintenance could have been carried out during coronavirus lockdown, when there were "very few people using it".
He said:
"Stopping the Floating Bridge just as we are in the process of trying to reopen our town businesses and promoting our island tourist industry? Cllr Ward's exclamation is totally unsatisfactory and ridiculous.
"Is this administration trying to completely destroy the recovery for East and West Cowes?
"Clearly from Cllr Ward's comments this action has been long known about but not a single word has been mentioned to myself or our Town council about this!"
Cllr Ward said the local authority wanted to maintain the service during the pandemic for those in need. He said:
“The work had been difficult to schedule earlier in the lockdown period, as we wanted to maintain the service as a priority for those needing to cross the Medina, especially key workers, while the Red Jet was not in operation.
“The replacement launch service will provide a regular Medina crossing while the works are undertaken, including catering for any pick up in foot traffic in the post 4 July lockdown easing period.”
The news comes in the wake of the closure of York Avenue - a main route into East Cowes.
Cllr Love says no prior warning was given in advance of those works.
An Island Roads spokesperson said:
“Residents and local councillors were first informed about the works due to take place in York Avenue at the end of May. As much of the work as possible has been completed under traffic lights but the final section, which requires a deeper excavation, now needs to be completed under a road closure for the safety of the public and the crews working on site. Notification of this road closure was also issued in mid-June.
“The work is being undertaken at a time when the roads are quieter due to Covid-19 and reduced traffic flows due to the fewer ferry sailings. It is hoped that the work will be completed in two weeks and we thank local residents for their patience while this work is completed.”
Cllr Love says he is concerned that the withdrawal of the service, coupled with the road's closure, will prevent the town from trying to rebuild its economy.
He said:
"Not only do we have our main arterial roads closed at short notice at a time when we are trying to rebuild our economy, we are now told that it was not possible to close the floating bridge for these essential repairs earlier.
"It’s a completely unacceptable response from Cllr Ward who appears to have no respect for the people of East and West Cowes and our integrity.
"We can see from previous closures what a devastating effect closing the floating bridge has on our towns industries, economy and communities but to do this work in the middle of summer just as we are trying to rebuild our economy is a disastrous action and not acceptable. It’s clear from Cllr Ward's comments that this work could have been done previously."
"The work is described as routine maintenance which surprisingly is only announced a week before its due to take place but to be done in high season? With no prior discussion with local councils and members this looks suspiciously like yet another failure of the floating bridge which is clearly not fit for purpose and yet Cllr Ward maintains its a good reliable service."
"Yet again our dedicated floating bridge staff operators are exposed to bear the burden of public anger against the its management failure who hide away in county hall. Perhaps Cllr Ward and Cllr Stewart should come and work on the floating bridge for a couple of days and face the general public head on.
"The commissioning and service delivery of this floating bridge has been disastrous from the outset. With it significantly impacting upon our Local and Island economy, investability and community cohesiveness, our Island administration continues with its denial of its poor performance.
"Its management can only be described as calamitous and incompetent. It’s not fit for purpose and should have long since been sent back."
Isle of Wight Radio has asked the Isle of Wight Council for an updated comment.
Plan To Protect Vulnerable Tenants And Combat Fraud Set For Decision
Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council Launches Resident Survey
New 'Cider And Chocolate' Attraction Could Be Heading To Arreton
Mini-Games Area Proposed For Sandown Play Park
Former Isle Of Wight Assistant Church Organist Jailed For Sexually Abusing Child In 1990s
Bert Fallout Revealed By Island Roads
Ryde Wall Demolition Permission Granted
Seaview Garage To Become Artist Studio
Hundreds Of Knives Taken Off The Streets As Part Of Operation Sceptre
Island Author Celebrating Amazon Number One
Councillor Coy On Isle Of Wight Social Housing
Warning For Islanders Selling Vehicles To Be 'Scam Aware'
Bus Fares Set To Rise Following Council Meeting
Small Business Support Proposal Passed By Isle Of Wight Council
Isle Of Wight Residents Encouraged To nominate Charity To Receive Festive Financial Boost
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan Unanimously Approved
More Islanders Cross The Solent With Wightlink’s Discounted Fares For NHS Appointments
Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Funds Defibrillators For The Community
Isle Of Wight Council Budget Pressures Likely To Continue Following Autumn Statement
Council Approves Support Package To Help Islanders On Low Incomes
