WHAT went wrong with the new floating bridge?

The findings of a review into the design, build and delivery of the new Cowes floating bridge will be made public in January.

A team led by council leader Dave Stewart, has studied documents and is interviewing those involved in commissioning, designing and operating the new vessel.

A council spokesperson said that alongside the review, work is being done to bring the floating bridge back into service as soon as possible.

Cllr Stewart said: “I am committed to leaving no stone unturned during this review and gathering as much information as I can about the processes followed and actions taken by the council, its contractors and any other outside bodies involved in the delivery of the new floating bridge.

“We owe it to residents to undertake a thorough investigation due to the large amount of public money involved and the level of disruption that has been caused.

"We need to understand exactly how we have ended up in this unacceptable position and what we can learn for the future to ensure nothing like this happens again.

“I would like to thank Red Funnel and Cowes Water Taxi for continuing to provide a service outside of peak times, Cowes and East Cowes town councils for their ongoing co-operation and the community action group for keeping us informed of residents’ views.”

A report will be presented to the council’s scrutiny committee in January, from which comments and recommendations will be taken to cabinet for action.