Sadness as Port Sutton Bridge closes

Villagers have been left saddened as Port Sutton Bridge has reported to have stopped operating.

The UK Ports Association says that it is aware that operations have ceased at Port Sutton Bridge.

The Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian contacted the owners C.Ro Ports for comment on several occasions but it is believed the final lorry was loaded up at the port in West Bank on Friday.

Port Sutton Bridge has played an important role in the village since it was launched in the 1970s and it is hoped that the site will not be left to stand and decay.

Sutton Bridge councillor Michael Booth is hoping that a new firm will take on the site.

He said: “It is really sad news.

“The port has played a big part in the village with smallholdings used to use it. Haulage contractors have a lot of work down there so they are going to be affected.

“I hope that someone else will take it on.

“This is sad news for the businesses.”

Coun Jack Tyrrell, who represents Sutton Bridge and Long Sutton on Lincolnshire County Council, says there is a lot of speculation about the future of the site.

He said: “There is a lot of talk about different firms taking it on but no-one has come forward to say they are.

“I am sad to see operations cease there. It is a lovely port and there were a few people working down there.

“We would hate to see the site become derelict as there are a number of warehouses there. I know that one or two of those are in use.

“I don’t think the port will be empty for long. Someone is bound to come along and have a go.

“It would be sad to see it disintegrate.”

A spokesperson for Fenland District Council said: “As the Port of Wisbech Harbour Authority, which is the statutory harbour authority for the River Nene that encompass Port Sutton Bridge, we were made aware in December 2021 that Port Sutton Bridge was looking to cease its operations to trading at Sutton Bridge in March 2022. The port has been on the open market for the last few months and negotiations are still underway with potential new owners.”

The port, which opened in 1978, boasts 349m of continuous quay and also 21,000m of warehousing.

Over the years, the port placed a focus on steel, timber and agricultural products.

The port hit the national headlines in 2000 after the Lagik became grounded and blocked the river.

The boat was carrying a cargo of steel products when it became stuck on the evening of December 13 after breaking its back.