Software problems on the Isle of Wight's delayed new trains have still not been solved and its operator says this is the main reason why the line is not yet up and running.

Island Line's franchise holder South Western Railway (SWR) says the computer issues remain a 'complex undertaking,' more than eight months after the line closed for a £26 million upgrade.

Since the trains were replaced by buses, SWR has blamed Covid-19, Brexit and recent flood damage for the continued hold ups.

It has now told the County Press: "We have been clear since the spring that software issues have been the main reason behind the reopening delay.

"The process of testing, by its very nature, is designed to uncover problems now, before the trains enter into passenger service and depending on the problem, will take a variable amount of time to fix.

"The other factors have compounded the software complications.

"For example, flooding significantly impacted the availability of the infrastructure required to complete the testing."

The software problems were confirmed by SWR at the end of April.

In February, announcing what was then a six week delay, SWR said Covid regulations and isolations had slowed its progress.

The line between Shanklin and Ryde has been largely unused since the old tube trains stopped running in January.

They are due to be replaced by newer, specially converted, rolling stock.

There is currently no date for when the trains will start running again.

SWR has admitted contractor Vivarail's software is yet to be fixed, causing compatibility problems between the trains and the tracks.

Four of the five expected trains have now arrived on the Isle of Wight, meanwhile.

Some have been tested on the line, but testing itself caused problems when pedestrian crossings were closed without warning, for safety reasons.

Locked gates meant popular countryside walking routes were blocked.

The County Press has been told that they have since reopened.

SWR said: "The safety and reliability of our service remains the number one priority for SWR and Vivarail.

"Both organisations are working hard to ensure all the problems are fully resolved."

The County Press asked for comments from Isle of Wight Council's transport lead, Cllr Phil Jordan and shadow member, Councillor Mike Beston.

An Isle of Wight Council Spokesperson said: "The delivery of the Island Line project is the responsibility of South West Railway (SWR) and it would not be appropriate for us to offer any statement or comment.

"The Council is seeking an urgent update from SWR on progress and completion of the project."

Cllr Beston has not provided a statement.