A farmer whose business is only open for two weeks a year says traffic chaos in Dover has the potential to "cripple" them.

Simon Phillips who owns Broadlees Farm recorded only half the usual number of visitors to his lambing attraction on its opening day on Saturday.

And numbers through the gates have remained fewer as the town remains clogged due to port delays.

He wants to reassure customers that there is a hassle free route to the farm, if people travel by the A258 from Deal.

But he also wants to put pressure on authorities to find a swift solution to stop it happening again.

Mr Phillips said: "It caused all sorts of issues on Saturday and Sunday and even on Monday for people coming up the A256 from Sandwich.

"They couldn't get onto the A2 and weren't given adequate diversions.

"We had only half the number we would usually expect, so about 100 people less.

"If it was to continue as it is, it would be crippling.

"There would be no point in us opening, financially, not after all the health and safety costs involved and the people we've employed."

The popular attraction has operated every Easter holidays since 1992, apart for the last two years due the pandemic.

It offers people the opportunity to pet lambs, some of which are just hours old.

Mr Phillips said: "It's frustrating financially but also for our customers.

"At least 50% of the people who come to us come year after year, with their children and then their grandchildren.

"This time it's not because of the pandemic, it's because of something that could have been resolved.

"It's another hurdle we've got to climb in order to keep the business moving forward."

Traffic around Dover is at a standstill due to the introduction of Operation Brock, which has been brought in due to the disruption to cross-Channel ferry services.

The main roads which remain affected are the M20, A20, A2.

Mr Phillips feels there is a lack of information for local people and believes one single body should take responsibility.

He said: "I believe it needs a controlled coordination but the authorities all just blame each other.

"It needs one body to be in charge of it.

"This isn't going to go away. We'll be hit hard again.

"They need to get something in place.

"A plan to deal with it so local businesses can keep going."

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke says she is putting pressure on the Kent Resilience Forum to keep Dover clear with active roads management while the situation continues.

“The traffic disruption caused by P&O’s actions is very serious," she said.

"Coupled with adverse weather conditions and the Easter getaway traffic the situation has become severe. This can be expected to continue for the next few days.

“The problems have caused an unacceptable impact on our community, particularly at Whitfield, Aycliffe, Capel-Le-Ferne and in Dover town itself."

She says the gridlock highlights the need for upgrades to the Whitfield roundabout and A2, adding: "There needs to be stronger road resilience and capacity for traffic management across the Dover area."

Meanwhile, a statement from The Department for Transport (Dft) reads: “We are aware of queues at Dover, and the Kent Resilience Forum and local partners are working to minimise any disruption by deploying temporary traffic management measures as standard.

The lambing attraction in Deal Road, opposite the Duke of York's Military School, is open every day up until and including Bank Holiday Monday. No booking is required.

A portion of the proceeds made will be donated to the NSPCC.

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