TRADERS in Evesham say the three-week delay in the Abbey Bridge project could be “catastrophic” to their Christmas custom.

The announcement that the closure would be extended by three weeks, cutting deep into the busiest time of the year, has come as a huge blow to many shop owners, as some had been counting down the days to the bridge reopening, originally scheduled for Thursday, November 28.

Ashley Judge, who owns Big Whoop Comics in The Old Bakehouse, Vine Court, said he knew many traders were relying on the road opening at the start of December.

He said: “We are just waiting, trying to survive as best we can until the bridge is reopened. This is a bit of a blow.

“It could be potentially catastrophic for some people.

There are a couple of people I have been speaking to and they are banking on the bridge being open for the Christmas period.”

Kitty Judge, who works at the Colour of Magic Tattoo studio, also in The Old Bakehouse, said she was worried the delay would put people off coming into Evesham in the future.

New businesses have also noticed the difference.

Tony Fisher, partner of the Life Emporium in Vine Mews, said October was their quietest month since opening in June.

He said: “It is disappointing.

I was thinking it was opening early December so three weeks late, it leaves us with a late Christmas period – that’s the problem.

“We were hoping for a good December and if the bridge isn’t going to be open it just pushes everything back.”

But others said they had been expecting the delay.

Dave Bugg, owner of Run Stuff in High Street, said: “The number of transactions we do in the shop is down 10 to 14 per cent.

“In recent weeks we have found it is dropping off.

Obviously the delay is not ideal.

“Speaking to most retailers we all thought it would be the end of November.

“It depends how you look at it, but anything designed to improve the town and give it longevity, we have to get behind it.”

Evesham mayor Mark Goodge said: “Any delay is disappointing but still the good news is we plan to be opened this side of Christmas.

It is not really surprising and not that much of a problem as long as we stay on track for this opening.”

Tony Rowland, chairman of the Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association, said they were planning a programme of events to attract people to the town, including the Christmas market and Charter market, from Saturday, November 23.

He said: “We have a programme of events we think we can run to keep people coming into the town.

Meanwhile, James Cox of Evesham High School and Simon de Montfort School, praised contractor Hochtief, saying they had donated two pallet loads of intact roadside kerbing to the school.

“We would like to thank Hochtief in the support, time and effort taken to provide these roadside kerbs showing true working partnership with the community while building our new bridge,” said Mr Cox.