DELAYS in repairing a damaged bridge has cost local businesses 40 per cent of their trade, say members of Trafford’s Green Party.

Altrincham councillors Geraldine Coggins and Dan Jerrome have called for bosses of Manchester developers, The Peel Group, to get on with fixing the issue.

They say that since a vehicle crashed into the bridge in June, which services the Bridgewater Canal in Oldfield Brow, it has caused weeks of ‘chaos’ for drivers and shop owners.

Although open to pedestrians, it has been closed-off to vehicles for safety reasons, until the necessary repairs have been carried out.

Meanwhile, congestion on the A56 and surrounding roads has increased as drivers look for alternative routes.

“The Grade II listed bridge is a vital link for local shops,” said Cllr Coggins.

“The lack of any visible work being done is a cause for concern and frustration despite consent being given to carry out the repairs.

“Such a long closure, with very little communication about when it might end, has put huge pressure on businesses who have lost up to 40 per cent of their trade.”

Mirian Gharib, owner of Monty’s sandwich bar on Seamon’s Road, claimed the bridge closure has forced some of her customers to go elsewhere.

“It is very irresponsible to shut the bridge for so long – some of our customers shop elsewhere,” she said.

A spokesman from The Peel Group explained that due to the bridge being listed a specific ‘brick type’ had to be ordered.

“They were, in fact, delivered to site last week,” added the spokesman.

“Repair works are now underway and it will take approximately another two weeks to complete, subject to weather conditions.”

Cllr Coggins and Cllr Jerrome have also called for better signs warning drivers about vehicle size restrictions on the approach to the bridge.

“We want to prevent another crash from happening again,” added Cllr Coggins.

“Although there are currently advisory signs in place they are often ignored.

“We also need a safer entrance for people walking and cycling on the bridge because the current situation is confusing and dangerous.”

Meanwhile Mike O’Neill, of Friends of Oldfield Brow, said group members have been highlighting the risk to the bridge for a while.

“However,  the most important thing is to stop another accident from happening again,” he said.