Businesses struggle as bridge stays closed

A bridge connecting one part of a Kent town to another could be closed to vehicles until "just around Christmas time", according to a councillor, as some local businesses said they have lost trade.

As repairs to Sandwich Toll Bridge began on Monday, councillor Daniel Friend from Dover District Council said: "It was only a couple of years ago that we had very similar damage to the bridge and it was closed for about 12 weeks.

"So I can't envisage a situation where it is not a similar time frame."

A Kent County Council spokesperson said: "As the bridge is a historic structure, we are working closely with conservation specialists to ensure any restoration works are carried out in a way that protects its heritage and long-term future".

The county council, which is responsible for the works, said: "We are progressing the scheme as quickly as possible and appreciate everyone's patience while the bridge remains closed."

A bridge has stood at Fishermans Wharf since 1755, but traffic has had to find another route to cross the River Stour since Sandwich Toll Bridge closed on 8 August when a heavy goods vehicle hit masonry.

The tanker lorry was contracted by Southern Water to carry out now complete repairs to burst sewers between Deal and Ramsgate during August.

A spokesperson for the company said: "During those repairs, a vehicle operated by one of our contractors damaged Sandwich Toll Bridge.

"We recognise the impact this has had on residents, businesses and visitors, and we are sorry to learn of the inconvenience caused."

One of those affected is Kevin Wright, who lives on the opposite side of the bridge to the main town.

"We can still get across walking wise but anybody that needs to drive, particularly children that are going to school, have actually suffered," he said.

However, many businesses in the vicinity of the toll bridge said they have been badly affected.

Dan Henchy, manager of The Crispin Inn on one side of the river and co-owner of the Barbican Beer Garden on the other, said both pubs have seen a decrease in customers.

"The Crispin has seen a drop-off of approximately 20%, whereas the bridge looks like it is totally closed to the public but you still have foot access across," he said.

"It means the Barbican was down 30% in August compared to July when we expected it to be busier and we are down 40% through September so far."

Another business feeling the strain is Tales and Tangles based on Strand Street, which has seen a high number of late appointments due to increased traffic resulting from the bridge closure.

Shona James, who rents a table there as a dog groomer, said: "A lot of customers come from Deal into Sandwich and as that is one of the routes into town there have been many delays."

One company is raising the question of compensation to businesses affected by the bridge closure.

Nicole Schipper and Valentin Frete opened their cafe Le Cap on Strand Street in December 2025 and have seen a noticeable drop in trade.

Schipper believes "local businesses should be compensated as they have been affected in various ways, not necessary just on the day of the closure".

Southern Water told the BBC any questions relating to compensation or losses arising from the damage to the bridge should be directed to the contractor's insurers and that they are unable to comment further while that process is ongoing.

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