Cowes Floating Bridge: 'Serious engine fault' discovered

The £3.2m Floating Bridge Number 6 has seen broken chains, excessive noise and cars scraping their bumpers

A troubled chain ferry is set to be out of action for at least another four weeks following the discovery of an engine fault.

The Floating Bridge in Cowes, Isle of Wight, was halted over an issue with its drive motor on 26 August.

Isle of Wight Council said it had since been discovered that the drive motor would have to be replaced.

It means the ferry will not be available during the busy Isle of Wight Festival weekend later this month.

The ferry, which links Cowes and East Cowes, was withdrawn from service before the August Bank Holiday weekend when a fault with the drive motor was identified.

A council statement said: "Further investigation by our specialist contractors has identified a serious fault with one of the main engines.

"Our aim is to return the vessel to service as swiftly and safely as possible."

The ferry has been beset with problems since launching in May 2017, including broken chains, excessive noise and cars scraping their bumpers.

The previous Conservative administration ruled out scrapping and replacing the £3.2m vessel.

The new independent administration that replaced the Conservatives following council elections in May, previously said it was "determined to resolve" the issues.

When the ferry is out of action a replacement launch operates for foot passengers, while drivers face a detour via Newport of up to 11 miles (18km).

The island has been a popular destination for people spending the summer in the UK after lockdown restrictions eased, and thousands of music fans are expected for the Isle of Wight Festival from 16 September.