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Floating Bridge Fit For Purpose? Independent Review And Legal Action Update

Legal action against the builders and architects of the troubled Floating Bridge 6 is expected to be completed by the end of the year, but the Isle of Wight Council is hoping to avoid having to go to court.

Although the local authority isn't ruling out the possibility of judicial proceedings, it intends to seek settlement through way of mediation.

Compensation is being sought by the council after years of 'poor performance' and disruption to Islanders.

A report, due to go before the council's Cabinet next week, reads:

"Whilst the legal advice is to proceed to mediation, Cabinet could take the view that they wish to proceed straight to court proceedings. This option would be likely to add considerable delay to any resolution and result in the continuation of FB6 for the duration of the legal case.

"By way of illustration, even if a trial in the court proceedings were concluded in the council’s favour, the council could expect up to two years to have elapsed in reaching that stage."

It also recommends an independent review to determine whether the vessel is fit for purpose.

Costing £10,000 to £15,000, the study — known as a Cabinet Office 'Gateway 5 Review' — has been requested by the boat's main funding partner, the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (SLEP).

If approved, it would be completed by November 2021 and the money would come from the council's existing budget.

The council hopes the report will help it to decide what to do next. Options could include further improvements to the current vessel or putting a business case together for a replacement.

Councillor Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said:

"The paper proposes a necessary yet considered way forward to assist the council in taking the best possible decisions to resolve the current challenges and achieve the required performance levels in the future.

"I would want the public to understand that we have no choice but to carry out the independent report and conclude the mediation process before we can take any final decision about the future of the floating bridge."  

The council's Cabinet plans to meet next Thursday (17).

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