A second launch boat for pedestrians will run across the Medina river during the morning school run, while the floating bridge remains out of action.

Pupils who live in East Cowes and travel to Cowes Enterprise College face a twice-daily journey across the river.

The Jenny Lee, which runs when the chain ferry is broken, must adhere to social distancing rules - carrying 25 people at a time - and passengers must wear face coverings.

Around 125 children will be crossing the river to get to class.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Cowes Enterprise College

The Isle of Wight Council says it has taken action to avoid long delays for them, as well as for commuters heading to the Red Jet and people who work in Cowes. 

County Hall will run an extra pedestrian-only boat during the morning school run, to ease congestion.

It will not run in the afternoon, as school and work times are different.
The floating bridge remains out of action and it is unknown when it will be able to resume service.

Read more: Floating bridge — still no return date (and no word on the repair bill either)

Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for transport, Councillor Ian Ward, told the County Press that it would not be for as long as thirty weeks, when responding to fears posted on a Facebook group earlier this year. 

Read more: Floating bridge: Transport councillor denies 30 week delay claim

The local authority's cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, Councillor Paul Brading, told the County Press on Thursday, the extra incurred costs will be part of the council's legal case, covering ongoing problems with the vessel that cost more than £3 million to build.

Read more: Isle of Wight Council not ruling out suing over floating bridge fiasco