The Cowes and East Cowes Floating Bridge is out of action from today (Monday), for a a five-yearly safety inspection and it will not return until after Easter.

The chain ferry will be out of service until April 22, though it is being replaced by the foot passenger launch.

The inspection is being carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is a legal requirement for all passenger ferries.

It will incorporate work at East Cowes' Wight Shipyard and a trip to a dry dock facility in Falmouth.

Island schools break up around April 8, for a fortnight and although the launch will run throughout, transporting pedestrians and cyclists, motorists will have to drive round.

What has the Isle of Wight Council said about the Chain Ferry's inspection?

Isle of Wight Council councillor Phil Jordan said: “We knew this inspection was going to be needed, and to comply with the regulations it cannot be delayed any further.

“Obviously I am disappointed this will mean another break in service for Floating Bridge 6, but I can confirm this planned downtime is nothing to do with the existing issues we have been experiencing on the vessel.

“We will also take advantage of this chance to do some other routine works to the floating bridge, such as repainting, works to electrical systems and an update to the on-board CCTV.

“This will not extend the time of the inspection, but it will mean the vessel will not need to come out of service for these works at other times in the future.”

A spokesman for the MCA said: “The Out of Water Survey, carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, is a requirement for all chain ferries, and occurs once every five years.

"We will be inspecting Floating Bridge 6 as we would any other chain ferry in accordance with the Code of Practice for Chain Ferries acting as a Floating Bridge."