BUSINESSES in Stamford Bridge missed out on a massive boost to trade which the Easter sunshine would normally have guaranteed.

The town, situated on the A166 York to Bridlington road, would usually benefit from passing trade from day-trippers during fine bank holiday weather.

But the route is currently blocked because of the closure of the bridge over the River Derwent, with traffic diverted via either Buttercrambe Bridge or the A1079.

Businesses such as Thompson's Traditional Fish And Chips were hit by a slump in trade over what should have been one of their best weekends in the year.

Paul Spencer, the shop's manager, said while business held up well on Good Friday, it was down on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, possibly by as much as 50 per cent.

"There was no one around," he said. "The car park, which would normally be full, was almost empty. People who wanted fish and chips would have to come specially into the town and then take a big detour.

"We got our regulars, but we rely a lot on casual passing trade. It was frustrating, and we wasted a lot of food."

He said he was resigned to similar problems over the May Bank Holiday weekend, but hoped the bridge would reopen in time for the Spring Bank Holiday.

A member of staff at the Swordsman pub, in Stamford Bridge, said despite the loss of passing trade, business had been boosted by local custom including many people staying at a nearby caravan site.

Dee Hillier, landlady of the Duke of York pub, at Gate Helmsley, between York and Stamford Bridge, said business had been down on last Easter, but not too significantly.

However, she said it might have been because the weather was much better this year than last, masking the full impact of the reduced traffic.

The historic bridge closed on March 5 for up to 12 weeks for extensive repairs.

A council spokeswoman said today the work was on schedule, and should be completed before the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

She added the work could not have been postponed until the autumn, when less motorists might have been heading to the coast, because there was an increased chance of bad weather, such as frost, which could have affected the project.