Council leader in Cowes vow after distancing himself from Floating Bridge purchase

Blaming a previous administration for its acquisition, he pledged to "provide and maintain" the link between East and West Cowes, as legal action continues against those contracted to design and build the error prone vessel.

In a statement issued tonight (Tuesday), Cllr Stewart referred to to a "comprehensive report" provided to him by colleagues Cllr Ian Ward and Colin Rowland, the latter of whom's officers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the vessel.

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Cllr Stewart said: "In reading the report, members of the committee and public will see the decision to replace Floating Bridge 5 and procure (Floating Bridge 6) was taken by the previous administration in August 2014.

"The design contract was awarded to Burness Corlett Three Quays (BCTQ) from Southampton, one of the parties we have subsequently involved in the legal action which is now underway.

"Following a further tender process, Mainstay Marine Solutions Limited (MMSL) was contracted to build the new floating bridge at a cost of £3,171,249 (and) this company is also one of the parties involved in the legal action."

After its construction in Wales, Floating Bridge 6 arrived and entered service on the Island on the 13 May, 2017.

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Council Leader Dave Stewart

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Cllr Stewart went on to propose the following measures:

• Full use to be made of all of legal avenues available to have any design and build failures put right once and for all.
• Confirmed commitment to communities of East and West Cowes to have a good and reliable service for the future.
• To learn from the contract management member oversight to ensure the wider Island receives value for money for all contracts and investments made on their behalf.
• To meet the requirements and expectations of the Solent Local Enterprise, which funded the project.

He concluded: "One thing I can say is whatever happens in the future, the community needs of East and West Cowes for this vital link will remain our priority and we will do all we can to ensure service provision is maintained."

UPDATE: Cllr Ian Stephens, the council leader at the time the Floating Bridge 6 was approved, said once he had secured the money his administration followed the procurement processes as set out by the previous Conservative council.

Speaking at the corporate scrutiny committee last night (Tuesday), Cllr Stephens said: "We did not bend the rules; we undertook the task at hand. 

"Our wishes were that it was dealt with for the Isle of Wight, by the Isle of Wight and on the Isle of Wight but that is as far as the elected members go.

"It is the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership's responsibility as much as the Isle of Wight Council's to make sure that funding is spent appropriately and correctly. 

"I can assure you during my two-year term as leader everything was done by the book, as you expect. We got here legitimately, honestly and responsibly.

"Now, we have have to move forward and continue. I am not here to criticise but to get the best for the people of the Island."