RETAILERS fear the closure of Chester’s Hoole Bridge will have a negative impact on trade.

Network Rail is closing the bridge for up to 12 weeks from February 11 to replace three bridge spans and strengthen a fourth. The bridge no longer meets modern day Highway Authority requirements for load capacity, causing the council to respond with a £1.3m restoration plan.

The 20,600 cars which travel daily across Hoole Bridge will be diverted to other routes.

“We are worried it will keep customers out of Chester,” said Janet Douglas, from John Woods Master Locksmiths on Watergate Street. “Another problem is we have to go to Hoole for jobs, it is going to take time travelling back and forth.”

Peter Stephen at Corks Out said: “It will lose us customers to a certain extent, it is a route that a lot of people use. I drive to work over the Hoole Bridge, it is going to affect my day.”

Andree Reynolds from Modelzone on Bridge Street said: “It will be a real pain if it is shut for that long. I drive to work over the Hoole Bridge and it is bad enough in rush hour. It will cause an awful lot of congestion, it is going to be a real nightmare. I don’t understand why they can’t work at night as well.”

Noel Jaycott, who owns Jaycotts Sewing Machines on Watergate Street, said: “It will definitely affect trade as it will be difficult to get into the city, but if it has to be closed then it has to close.”

John Brown, from the Trail and Hike Outdoor Shop on Bridge Street, said: “Of course we aren’t happy about it, but what can we do, if the roadworks are necessary, they are necessary.

“There are so many roadworks around Chester anyway, if they say they are for 12 weeks that usually means they will be for 24 weeks!”

Stefan Peters, from Route One on Bridge Street, said: “Personally I come from Liverpool Road so it isn’t going to affect me, but I know a lot of people it will cause problems for.”