LEGAL talks over the troublesome Floating Bridge are potentially drawing to a close, the Isle of Wight Council has said.

Speaking at the full council meeting last night (Wednesday), Cllr Phil Jordan, cabinet member for infrastructure and transport, said the local authority is very close to agreeing a resolution in the dispute over Floating Bridge 6.

Cllr Jordan said, subject to some minor details not central to the dispute, an announcement will be made 'in the very near future'.

However,  due to the sensitive nature of legal discussions, he did not make further comment.

The Isle of Wight Council entered mediation with the builders and designers of Floating Bridge 6 in March.

Discussions have been ongoing, in the bid for a 'fair and acceptable settlement'.

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The £3.2 million boat, which runs between Cowes and East Cowes, has been plagued with problems, malfunctions and breakdowns since it was installed in 2017.

The Isle of Wight Council started legal action to get back some of the money lost through repairs, fees and added costs, including a replacement launch.

It followed years of talk and followed a government report that said the vessel was 'potentially poorly designed' with 'several apparent design' issues.

Government inspectors found a working service was 'feasible' but said the chain ferry had 'significant issues'.

Alliance administration councillors have not ruled out replacing Floating Bridge 6 altogether, but will not comment until mediation ends.