DESPITE having undergone months of repair work on it, the Cowes Floating Bridge has been taken out of service this morning (Saturday) — the second time in the space of a week.

The withdrawal of the service is to allow engineers to inspect a prow hinge.

However, a foot passenger launch will be in operation shortly, an Isle of Wight Council official said.

The news comes little over a fortnight after the floating bridge returned to service following months of repair work. 

Last Saturday, the floating bridge was taken out of service because of a hydraulics system fault.

Among the work undertaken before returning the floating bridge to service on October 20, was the removal of the chain ferry's hydraulic rams, which were stripped down, inspected and then rebuilt.

The hydraulic system had been flushed and repairs were made to the hydraulic pumps and motors.