A FAULT with the Cowes Floating Bridge this morning (Thursday) meant that commuters were forced to reverse off and divert via Newport.

A witness told the County Press that the chains would not engage.

It is not yet known when the service will be reinstated.

UPDATE 10:40

The floating bridge is now back in action.

UPDATE 11:25

A council spokesperson has said: "The floating bridge was temporarily out of service this morning and a replacement foot passenger service provided, due to a combination of wind direction and low tide occurring at the same time.

"The chains had been adjusted yesterday to take account of high winds.

"However, chains have now been adjusted further this morning to suit the weather conditions and with the return of the high tide, it is now back in service.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused."

UPDATE 17:20

The floating bridge is out of service again this afternoon. 

The Isle of Wight Council has said that a foot passenger service is in operation.