Island chain ferry halted as parts replaced

The £3.2m chain ferry has been plagued with issues since it started service in 2017

The Isle of Wight's chain ferry will halt crossings for a day while it has some parts replaced.

Floating Bridge 6 crosses the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes.

Its operator, Isle of Wight Council, said the ferry - which has been beset with numerous problems and breakdowns since it first launched - needed three new guide wheels and a prow ram cylinder.

The ferry is expected to be out of action from 09:00 - 18:00 on Wednesday with a launch service running for pedestrians and cyclists.

The chain ferry saves an 11-mile (18km) round trip by road.

In March, Isle of Wight Council decided the chain ferry, which has been plagued with endless issues since it started running in 2017, would be replaced.