Work on the flood defences in Sandwich have been delayed due to severe weather and the toll bridge will remain closed.

The on-going work by the Environment Agency at the Quay in Sandwich meant that Kent County Council closed the toll bridge for four weeks so that work could be carried out safely.

It was due to re-open yesterday but due to severe weather the work has been delayed.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “The recent exceptional weather has had an impact on the work our contractors are carrying out in Sandwich, and as a result the work schedule needed to be extended.

“We have worked with Kent County Council to get a two week extension to the Traffic Regulation Order for the area around the toll bridge in Sandwich.

“The Environment Agency is working with the project contractors to do all we can to ensure that any disruption is minimised.”