Businesses in Marlow town centre say they have lost trade since the bridge was forced to close due to structural damage.

Sam Adams, manager at Café Copia, said their High Street coffee shop has seen a huge drop in customers this week, after a HGV driver tried to cross Marlow Bridge, which has a 3-tonne weight limit.

Diversions are in place for drivers trying to get to the other side of the river, leaving the town centre silent.

Mr Adams said: “We have 100 per cent noticed a difference. We are very close to the bridge and we usually have a lot of customers come here then go down to the park or across the bridge, but that hasn’t been the case this week.

“Lots of trade has been lost. Christmas time is coming and that is a key trading time for us as we rely on tourists for a lot of business. Financially we will be fine but it is this time of year where we expect to make more money.”

Russell Spencer, assistant manager at Repertoire in the High Street, said it was unusual to look out the shop window and not see cars driving past.

He added: “We have been very quiet this week. Monday was ok but I think that was because people hadn’t realised what had happened with the bridge. Now, it is noticeably quiet, even when you look out of the shop window you can’t see any cars going past.

“If the bridge is closed for six months it will cause massive problems for the surrounding roads and businesses. Unfortunately there is a lot of traffic leaving Marlow but not coming back in.”

Amid reports that the bridge could be closed for four to six months, Marlow Pharmacy manager Andrew Weatherill, said he was "very sad" if that was the case. 

Cllr Richard Scott, Marlow town and Wycombe district councillor, said he was “very concerned” for businesses in the town centre that have been affected by the closure of the bridge.

He said: “The High Street is very quiet, much quieter than expected. I am really concerned for the shopkeepers in the town. There are less people passing through for their morning coffees and things like that.

“It is a great inconvenience for residents on both sides of the bridge and I am hoping that something can be done as quickly as possible.”