THE barge that keeps the Cowes Floating Bridge in line during strong tides is costing the taxpayer £192 an hour.

A Freedom of Information request (FOI) has revealed the contract for MV Seaclear, which the IW Council said was being used on just a short-term basis, was not sent out to public tender, but subject to negotiation with Cowes Harbour Commission.

The cost is not covered by the floating bridge’s warranty, ‘as this related to technical issues with the vessel itself and not the issue with the chain clearance’.

The cost is being met from the council’s floating bridge budget.

The barge is used to keep the bridge running in all tides, after an issue with the chain depth meant the vessel’s chains were snagging.

Council leader Dave Stewart said: “By using MV Seaclear on a short-term basis, we’ve been able to keep the floating bridge running in all tides, maintaining a good and reliable service.

“The cost of using MV Seaclear is offset by our ability to keep the service running and the income that generates.

“We know we have an issue with the chain depth during the fast flowing ebb tides and we’re exploring all options to find a more efficient and effective long-term solution.

“In the meantime, we’re investigating the future use of a ‘push boat’ and will be issuing a tender for this service in 2019.”

Data from Floaty Finder shows, this afternoon (Friday), with the barge, a return crossing on the bridge is taking between 22 and 23 minutes — the target time is ten minutes.

To offset the £192 hourly cost of the barge, the bridge would need to take 73 cars, or 128 passengers, between the two towns each hour.

Concerns were first raised over the chain depth in 2015 by the Cowes Harbour Master.