By Isle of Wight ObserverWork to improve noise levels at the Cowes Floating Bridge has had an instant impact, claim the council.
A rubber shoe and a mesh mat have been installed on the Cowes side of the bridge to lessen the sound of the ramp when it hits the slipway to allow vehicles and passengers on and off.
Council leader Councillor Dave Stewart (Niton, Chale & Whitwell) visited the Floating Bridge on Monday (September 24) to inspect the work and chat with staff.
He said: “The initial test results tell us the noise has been reduced, so it appears these solutions are working very well.
“This is certainly good news for our neighbours near the bridge and is part of a concerted effort to further improve the service.
“The next stage will be to design a solution that will ensure the floating bridge can operate in all tides – that’s the last major technical problem that needs to be overcome.”
Noel Turner-Brooks a local resident who lives very close to the chain ferry service in Cowes said: “It’s still noisy, we just hope it doesn’t hit our garden wall. It’s still got problems it’s not going to go but it’s not screeching like a tube train like it did before. It’s a bodge job done really.”
The leader thanked the Floating Bridge’s staff for their professionalism and hard work in making sure the vessel is the very best it can be while the last remaining major issue is solved.
Cllr Stewart, who was joined by Cllr Ian Ward (Sandown South), cabinet member responsible for the Floating Bridge, added the service worked well in August, operating for 91.5% of its scheduled operating hours.
The cost of the shoe was £8,106. The cost of the 22mm Mini Mesh matting installed earlier this month and made by Dura Composite was £3,391.
The shoe, made by Wight Shipyard, was attached to the ramp last week.
