UK town suffering as 210-year-old cast iron bridge closes | UK | News
Business owners on the street are concerned about the low number of pedestrians after the bridge is closed (file) (Image: Getty)
A town in the United Kingdom is struggling to respond to falling foot traffic following the closure of the town’s 210-year-old cast-iron bridge. Authorities cited security concerns as the reason for the closure, but businesses in the area are experiencing difficulties due to no footsteps coming from the bridge. The Wye Bridge in Monmouth, Wales, is closed until further notice.
The closure came after engineers noticed significant cracks during an inspection in October 2025. Confirmation for the closure came on March 27 this year and has caused problems for Chepstow traders ever since. Those who own businesses in the area cite the closure of the Wye Bridge as the main reason for their reduced profits.
READ MORE: HMRC approves state pension tax change rule for all state pensioners
READ MORE: ‘Rachel Reeves has gone completely mad, she will bankrupt Britain further’
said Dawn Floyd, 67, who has run Saint Mary’s Collectables on Mary Street for 15 years. South Wales Argus He said the low number of pedestrians and increased business rates have greatly affected his business.
He said: “It’s also disgusting, especially what’s going on. There’s no proper traffic flow if the bridge is closed. You have to make a detour and when it’s busy it can add 40 minutes to the main road from Lydney. “We all got our business rates notice and they (Monmouthshire Council) got it wrong – they made a mistake.
“Two weeks later or three weeks later, they made a statement. They said, ‘We’re so sorry, we made a mistake.’ And we’re stuck with it.”
The bridge saw a reduction in foot traffic due to its closure, but traffic from Gloucestershire had already been affected by the first closure in October 2025, preventing vehicles from using the bridge. Footprinting was allowed at the time but has since been suspended.
Dawn went on to outline how much of an impact the bridge closure had on the town. He added: “It makes a huge impact. We have to apply for a rate cut and prove why, but we shouldn’t get it automatically. “I’m lucky, I’m chairman of the community council, but not everyone is in the same position.
The Old Wye Bridge has not yet reopened to vehicles since October and pedestrian traffic has been ongoing since March (file) (Image: Getty)
“Councils need to wake up and see what’s going on here. Who represents Chepstow and who’s taking control of the bridge? It’s hurting businesses. Someone needs to take control when businesses are suffering. We’ve got some lovely shops trying to do the best they can and I’m really worried about how this will affect them.”
Matthew Taylor, 53, owner of Chepstow Books & Gifts on St Mary’s Street, backed Dawn’s comment and said the town was much quieter now. “It’s such an attraction for tourists to see, and now they’ve taken it down. People are disappointed it’s not there anymore. People want to know if it can be repaired because it’s over 200 years old.”
A spokesman for Monmouthsire County Council said: “At this time the council has not been made aware of any specific concerns regarding the impact of the closure of the bridge on local business.
“Business rates are set nationally by the Welsh Government and the recent increases are due to revaluation and changes in Wales, not the closure of the bridge. “The council manages rates but does not set them.
“Businesses affected by a reduction in trading should contact the Valuation Office Agency to request a temporary reduction in their rateable value. Our Revenue Shared Service can also offer support, including payment plans. In exceptional cases, hardship relief may be considered.
“We are aware of an issue affecting some businesses where the pass-through discount has been incorrectly applied. Affected businesses have been contacted and revised invoices will be issued.”
