Bridge closure affects businesses

The bridge is completely closed to traffic

Businesses have suffered since a village was cut off by a bridge closure, traders have said.

The bridge in Colwall, Herefordshire, was closed in August after engineers found signs of corrosion.

After complaints, the bridge, which links two parts of the same village, reopened to pedestrians but is still closed to traffic.

Traders say their businesses are dying. Herefordshire Council said it was carrying out further inspections.

Ian Nesbitt of the Colwall Park Hotel said the village was generally fairly busy.

"But now, there are very few people on the roads. Its very quiet.

"It used to be a thriving, active village but this has taken the heart out of it."

Tim Newman, a butcher, said he was worried that the villagers would not return to the shops once the bridge reopens.

"Once people start shopping elsewhere we might find it is difficult to get them to change back again," he said.

The council said it was carrying out a more detailed inspection of the bridge, which might allow them to reopen it, but the results would not be known until December.