Local traders in the historic market town have expressed concerns that construction activities are reducing customer numbers and harming their enterprises.
On March 27, the Old Wye Bridge connecting Chepstow to Gloucestershire was completely shut after engineers determined it posed structural risks.
The 210-year-old cast-iron structure, which dates from the Georgian period in the early 1800s, had already seen vehicle restrictions imposed following the discovery of cracks in October 2025. Additional damage found in March prompted the closure affecting all users, including those on foot and bicycles.
Both Monmouthshire Council and Forest of Dean District Council are now examining restoration possibilities, acknowledging the inconvenience while they formulate plans to eventually reopen the crossing safely.
Nevertheless, traders on the Welsh side feel the council has not provided adequate information about the bridge’s future, with parking problems and increasing business rates adding to their difficulties operating in Chepstow.
Dawn Floyd, 67, has been running her antique business Saint Mary’s Collectables on Mary Street for 15 years. She believes the closure is having a severe effect on the town. She explained that it is creating considerable difficulties with traffic movement in and out, and by the time visitors arrive they are already frustrated. She noted a change in customer numbers, attributing this to the bridge situation. She mentioned traffic enforcement officers being active and suggested they were making things difficult for traders, with five-minute overstays resulting in fines. Parking was cited as another significant problem. She felt businesses should receive assistance given the reduced access to the town and criticised the absence of communication about business rates, which she said have increased despite the disruption.
Dorina Prenci, 30, owns Panevino, the Italian restaurant on Bridge Street. She reported that the closure means fewer customers arriving without a reservation. She noted the restaurant’s location near the bridge means people who do not already know it exists tend not to venture down that way. She estimated losses of 30 to 40 walk-in customers daily, with the establishment now seating only two or three tables. She explained that previously people would discover the restaurant while crossing the bridge, but now they are no longer passing through. She said communication from the council has been minimal. She stated they had not been kept informed and wanted clarity on developments, acknowledging that external economic factors were also affecting their operations. She noted the substantial losses they had experienced. She also felt the closure was causing traffic congestion. She described how staff previously took minutes to reach work but now have to take long routes, with commuting becoming difficult for employees.
Christina Connolley manages La Bonita Boutique on St Mary’s Street, a women’s fashion store she has operated for a decade. She reported a substantial decline in passing trade. She felt that combined with other local issues, the town had become quieter with fewer people and reduced spending power. She pointed out that parking charges do not incentivise visits to Chepstow, with customers able to choose other destinations instead. She explained her shop is not in the main town centre but on St Mary’s Street near Wetherspoons, so she relies heavily on people passing by, which is no longer happening with the bridge closed. She called on Monmouthshire Council to remove parking fees to attract visitors, noting that shoppers frequently opt for locations like Cwmbran, Spytty or Cribbs Causeway where parking is more accessible.
Matthew Taylor, 53, runs the book and gift shop Chepstow Books & Gifts on St Mary’s Street. He said he had observed the town becoming less lively and believes tourism has been significantly affected. He described the bridge as an attractive feature for visitors that has now been removed, leaving people upset about its absence. He said people are keen to know whether restoration is possible given its age of over two centuries.
The Argus contacted Monmouthshire Council for response regarding how the closure has affected trading and businesses in Chepstow.
A spokesperson for Monmouthshire County Council stated that the authority continues to work alongside specialist consultants to conduct detailed assessments examining the structural implications of partially reopening the bridge for pedestrians, wheelchairs and cyclists. The investigations are anticipated to conclude by early June. Once finished, they will allow a comprehensive evaluation of health and safety implications and the risks connected with reopening one of the walkways. At this stage, the council has not received any particular reports about the closure’s effect on local trading. However, the Business Monmouthshire team remains accessible and prepared to offer assistance to local businesses should it be needed.