Businesses struggle as bridge stays closed

**Businesses struggle as bridge stays closed**

Councillor Daniel Friend expects Sandwich Toll Bridge to re-open "just before Christmas"

A bridge linking one side of a Kent town with the other may remain shut to vehicles until "just around Christmas time", a councillor has said, while some local businesses report losing trade.

Repairs to Sandwich Toll Bridge started on Monday, and Dover District Council councillor Daniel Friend 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".

Sandwich Toll Bridge was damaged by a HGV on 8 August and has been closed to traffic since

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 use a different route to cross the River Stour since Sandwich Toll Bridge closed on 8 August after a heavy goods vehicle struck masonry.

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

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 from 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.

Dan Henchy, co-owner of the Barbican Beer Garden has lost "40% of it's trade" since the bridge closed

Many businesses near the toll bridge say they have been badly hit.

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 fewer 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 under pressure is Tales and Tangles on Strand Street, which has had a large number of late appointments because of heavier traffic caused by 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."

Shona James from Tales and Tangles in Strand Street says many customers have been late for appointments due to traffic delays

One company is now raising the issue of compensation for 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 fall 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 it is unable to comment further while that process is ongoing.