Businesses affected by Bidford Bridge crash to team up - The Stratford Observer

Businesses affected by Bidford Bridge crash to team up

Stratford Editorial 19th Sep, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

BUSINESSES affected by the closure of Bidford Bridge are joining forces to bring visitors back to the village.

Shops and restaurants have been hit financially by the closure of the bridge, which is the main road in and out of Bidford and is not expected to reopen until next year.

The route, the B4085 Honeybourne Road, has been closed to traffic ever since a crop-sprayer smashed into the 600 year-old structure in June. Motorists have instead been forced to take lengthy detours in and out of the village while repairs take place.

In a bid to attract more people to the area, ten local businessmen and women have teamed up to form Bidford Chamber of Commerce. They plan to hold a number of events in the village, with the first one taking place on Sunday (September 20) at noon.




Patrick Marshall, chamber of commerce member and owner of the Bridge Riverside Eaterie, told the Observer: “The bridge being closed has affected some businesses more than others. People can’t just pop to Budgens now to do their shopping as they would have to carry all of their bags back across the bridge. The bridge being closed has definitely had an impact.

“There is too little community spirit here and that needs to improve. We want to bring people together and also show them what we have in Bidford.


“We think a lot of people are using here as a ‘dorm town’ and never come into the village. They just sleep here then go off, never seeing what it is on their doorstep. Hopefully this will show them what’s to offer here.”

The Bidford Bridge Bash – which will take place on the bridge and the High Street – will see a number of live bands play, along with a hog roast, fun dog show, BBQ, bouncy castle, face painting and street entertainers.

Search for Bidford Bridge Bash on Facebook for further details.

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