Pub landlords say a three-week road closure will be “disastrous” for their business in the run-up to Christmas.

Jonathan and Alison Woodbridge run The Hawkenbury pub between Headcorn and Staplehurst, not far from the Hawkenbury Bridge which runs over the River Beult.

This week, Kent County Council gave notice that the bridge will close for damage repairs from November 5 to 27, in a move the pair believe is “irresponsible” and will negatively impact trade.

Although the council say the closure is needed due to the “complexity and scale” of the accident repairs, Jonathan questions what work is being done and why it will take so long.

He says traffic management at the bridge would be much better for the locals, and his business, rather than a full closure.

The 68-year-old said: “This deci

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