Puzzled shopkeepers say they are losing customers after their road was suddenly shut amid safety fears.

Traders in Sandwich town centre say they have been left in the dark after Kent Highways announced the shock closure.

The authority says it is unable to disclose the nature of the roadblock, while scaffolding has suddenly appeared around a house and encroached onto King Street.

Shopkeepers there say they are stunned after learning about the nine-week closure on social media.

Melissa Scott, who works at The Sandwich Bakery Company, says footfall has been down since February 26, when the route was first out of action for drivers.

“It happened out of the blue and we only realised when we saw it on Facebook,” she said.

“We got a notice in the evening and the next day the road shut. It was a case of what do we do? There was no warning.

“We understand work has to be done but I think there could have been more thought to businesses in the town, especially as 90% down this road are independent.”

A KCC public notice prohibiting driving says the closure could drag on until May 5, due to "the safety of the public and workforce while allowing works to be carried out. Works are undertaken by Walker Construction".

Ms Scott, 28, added pedestrians have been confused as to whether they could walk down the road.

She said: “Even from the first day, there was a decrease in footfall.

“Usually people pull in the lay-by and come in to get their bread but there has been a decrease in that.

“It’s definitely lowered the footfall dramatically. Especially as it’s Mother’s Day this weekend – that is usually a busy weekend so we’ll see what happens.

“We don’t know what is going to happen and if it will definitely be shut until May or not – it’s very worrying and not knowing puts everyone on edge.”

Tony Trice, 61, at Rose N Tony’s in King Street, says he is concerned an accident could happen after lorries blocked the road last week.

“We don’t want builders vans and skips in the road because it makes it look blocked and shut,” he said.

“When the builders' vans parked here last week, it was a bit dangerous because a motorbike rider ended up driving on the pavement.

“There have been several push bikes ridden along the pavement too because of the scaffolding lorries being in the way of the road. I’m concerned there could be an accident.”

Bhavna Patel and her husband have run the King Street newsagents for more than five years.

Mrs Patel says she has had fewer customers since the road closure was enforced, as many of them will often park outside the shop and quickly visit.

“We’ve had no children who run in to get sweets while their parents wait in the car outside,” she said.

“We also have older people who park outside and pop in to get something so they’re not coming in at the moment.”

A parcel pick up and drop off point is run within the newsagents so there are often lots of deliveries, some of which can be big and heavy.

She added: “Deliveries are harder now.

“Most of our delivery drivers know they can’t come down here but anyone new would not.”

The 50-year-old says when the closure first came into force, she assumed it would be like lockdown again as the road was shut then too.

“On Monday, I realised the enormity of the situation. It could be three months – it’s a long period of time and I’m not sure how we’re going to handle it,” she said.

“My main concern is my staff as I might have to cut their hours if we’re not getting as many customers.

“It’s a waiting game to know what will happen but I’m trying to be positive about it all.”

Directly opposite the house which has the hoardings around it is My Happy Place Cafe.

The owner, Antonietta Cauteruccio, says it is worrying that this work is being done right in the tourist season, adding if she were a customer, she would be unlikely to venture down the street.

“The work has to happen and if it's an emergency I can understand but I think common courtesy should prevail here,” she said.

“It’s not the ideal place to come and have a coffee and look onto that so it’s a problem and it’s hit tourist season.

“If I was a tourist I wouldn’t come here looking at that – if I saw that, I would avoid it.

“As a whole, the street looks shut. With the cost of living and everything, it’s hard. Everyone is struggling but I don’t know what effect it will have – it’s too early to say.”

Mrs Cauteruccio added her permit allows her to put tables and chairs outside up to where the boards are around the building but because of the work, she is allowed to move them further down the street.

Sandwich town councillor Emmet Csuka said: “I’m very concerned about the impact this unexpected street closure is already having on the businesses along King Street.

“The shops along this street are the heart of Sandwich and really need our continued support during the period of disruption.”

Dover District Council member Dan Friend (Con) added: "As a community, we empathise deeply with the property owner facing emergency works to safeguard their property. It's crucial that we maintain a positive dialogue between all parties as we navigate through this challenging situation.

“It's imperative we extend our support to the vibrant businesses across Sandwich, especially in King Street during this time of pedestrianisation. King Street may be closed to vehicles but the businesses are very much open and working hard to make your experience an enjoyable one. They are the lifeblood of our town, and they deserve our unwavering backing."

Walker Construction declined to comment.