The temporary closure of Sandwich’s toll bridge has seen a “disastrous” loss of trade, it is claimed.

High Street and Ramsgate Road have been closed since Monday, May 16, and are expected to remain closed for at least another week while urgent repairs to the Barbican take place.

The closure of the roads, which offer an alternative route out of the town towards Thanet, is said to have had a knock-on effect on nearby businesses.

Terry West, owner of The Crispin Inn, next to the historic building, said he was 50% down on his takings on Sunday, while Colin Carr, who runs Sandwich River Bus, described bank holiday trade as disastrous.

On Tuesday, Mr West said: “The weekdays have been dire. On Sunday, I was 50% down on takings. Considering it’s half term, we’ve had virtually no trade today.

“The signage isn’t good and people don’t want to get caught in mile-and-a-half tailbacks on the bypass.

“Plus they’ve narrowed Strand Street down from two lanes to one, sending cars right.”

He said the Quayside car park is virtually empty during the day because people think it is closed off.

He has also noticed that it fills up more than usual at night because it is being used by residents who work in Deal or Dover and live over the bridge. They are choosing to walk home rather than travel via the bypass during peak hours.

Mr West had questioned why the work had to be done at the beginning of summer, but received a response saying limestone doesn’t set well in cold temperatures.

"We are hopeful that access from the Ramsgate Road will reopen from Saturday, June 11, weather permitting." - Mr Goss, East Kent Housing

Mr Carr, who is also the harbour master, said: “The bank holiday was a disaster. I sat there on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and I had a total of four passengers.

“The turn over is probably about 50% down compared to last year, maybe more.

“They’ve chosen to do it right at the start of the tourist season.

“It’s just lucky that I run it as a self sufficient hobby. Anyone trying to make a living from it wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Assistant manager of The Bell Hotel Samuel Rushforth said: “Considering it’s been a bank holiday, we haven’t been that busy. It certainly has affected us more than we expected.”

Manager James Redshaw has purchased a huge sign to tell potential customers that the Quayside car park is still open.

The businesses would like people to know that they’re open as normal and that parking is available.

Tim Goss, area maintenance manager for East Kent Housing, said: “These essential maintenance works to the Barbican are on track and we are hopeful that access from the Ramsgate Road will reopen from Saturday, June 11, weather permitting.

"We have requested additional signage to inform visitors that the Quay car park is open and these will be put up as soon as possible.

"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may be causing to local businesses and residents but it is imperative that these restoration works are carried out now to preserve this important historical building.”