Marlow Town Council is stepping in to encourage shoppers to keep visiting the high street, even though the bridge is closed.

New signs will be placed in strategic locations around the town in response to traders’ “ongoing concerns” about their businesses since Marlow Bridge has been closed.

Business owners told the Marlow Free Press last week that “lots of trade has been lost” since the bridge was forced to close due to extensive damage.

The new signs, which have been funded by Sorbon Estates and approved by Bucks Highways, will say: “Marlow town centre is fully open for business” and will be positioned alongside diversion signs that have already been put in place by Transport for Bucks.

The move has been welcomed by business owners in the High Street.

Bernard Burger, of Burgers Tea Room on The Causeway, said: “I’m sure the town council’s signs will help businesses. We have noticed a difference since the bridge closed.

“We do rely on some passing traffic for trade but I think people that are going to visit Marlow hear in the news that the bridge is closed and make alternative arrangements thinking they can’t get into the town.

“In actual fact, there is more parking in Marlow now. Now would be the best time to shop in the town – there is less traffic, more parking spaces and it is generally much more pleasant.”

Russell Spencer, assistant manager at Repertoire in the High Street, told the Marlow Free Press last week that the shop had been “very quiet” since the bridge had been closed and welcomed the addition of some signs.

He said: “I think some signs letting people know the town is still open even though the bridge isn’t is a good idea. Every little helps, because the town is still so quiet.”

Bob Johnson, Marlow’s Mayor, said: “We understand the concerns of Marlow’s businesses and hope these signs will help in encouraging people to visit the town while the bridge is being repaired.”