Bosses at an American diner say an enforced road closure is yet another blow to their already struggling business — and couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Manager of the Hot Rod Diner in Northfleet High Street, Laura Chantler, had expected the eatery to be heaving with customers for Halloween and the half-term.

But she’s now been forced to shut the restaurant completely after a major blaze ripped through the former Portlands building opposite and expects to lose thousands in trade.

Fire crews were called just before 11.30pm on Sunday (October 26), and at its height, eight fire engines, a height vehicle, a bulk water carrier and a drone were at the scene.

The cause is not yet known, but the police are understood to be leading the investigation.

The High Street was closed for both vehicles and pedestrians on Monday (October 27) as there were fears that part of the building could collapse.

The cordon remains in place between the Hot Rod Diner and Lawn Road and means the American eatery and three other local businesses - Northfleet Hand Car Wash, Don’s Tyres, and Sunscreen Tinting - cannot open.

It was expected to be lifted later this week. However, according to a post shared by Kent County Council’s (KCC) highways team today (October 29), that closure may now be extended until November 16.

A spokesperson for the authority said they appreciate the impact it will have on local businesses and residents, but said safety must remain their priority.

However, a lack of communication has left businesses frustrated with the Hot Rod Diner posting online: “While we completely understand that safety must come first, what we desperately need are clear updates.

“This has left us completely in the dark about whether we’ll be able to open for the weekend or if this could stretch into weeks.”

Laura was unaware of the extended road closure, and when told by KentOnline, said: “It is going to take as long as it takes, but we just want updates.

“We are really disappointed with the council. It is extremely frustrating and disappointing that they were not able to communicate with us at all.”

Laura, who is a part-owner of the American restaurant, said that the first she knew about the blaze was in the early hours of Monday morning after staff members messaged her.

She added: “It did not come as a surprise, and I was not too concerned initially because it was the third time this year and was under control.

“I then heard the road was going to be closed for up to five days and knew it was more serious than I thought.

“I went down there and was told they were worried about the structural integrity of the building. It is just unfortunate that the entire stretch outside of the restaurant is closed.”

The road closure means the Hot Rod Diner and its car park are not accessible to the public, so it has had to close, missing out on walk-ins, which it heavily relies on, and cannot operate takeaways.

Laura said she also cancelled around 20 bookings on Tuesday and similar numbers for today, and claims the restaurant will be losing around £2,000 a day.

It has business interruption insurance, but it can only be claimed once it’s allowed to reopen, which doesn’t help with the immediate pressure of ongoing losses.

Laura added: “It has affected us massively. We had a lot of bookings, but had to call up and cancel them as we want to give people as much notice as possible.

“I am worried, but I am really hoping that we can open on Friday for Halloween. We always make a big thing out of it, and it is one of the things we do each year.

“I am hopeful that we can be open, but I do not think it is likely with the information I have. If we are not open by Saturday, that will be a real issue for us.

“We still have wages to pay and bills, and that is a real worry for us at the moment.”

She explained this week’s closure is another blow to the diner, which has been struggling since the collapse of Galley Hill Road in April 2023, as it became harder for customers to drive to the restaurant.

Laura said they rely on weekends and half-term trade, which would have included this week, where they usually double what they take on any given weekday.

The manager added: “The Galley Hill closure impacted us massively, and it still does to this day. We have reduced footfall passing through, and the inconvenience of coming to us now.

“We have been struggling the last few years, and weekends and half-term are the only things keeping our doors open.

“We are absolutely gutted. One of the few opportunities to keep the business going has been taken away.

“We have been quiet for so long, and you do think, ‘why are we doing this?’, but then you see the support from everyone.

“It was really touching and shows we are doing something right. It really does help. I am really thankful for the support from the community.

“This area of Northfleet is a bit of a forgotten area, but there are many small businesses that need the support of the community and council.”

Yesterday (October 28), it was confirmed that asbestos was found within the debris of the fire and residents of Factory Road were told to “stay inside” with their doors and windows closed.

However, it is understood that the UK Health Security Agency has advised that it is of “no significant health concern” as the fibres are held tightly within the body of cement products and are not readily released into the air during a fire.

In an update this morning, a spokesperson for Gravesham council said specialist contractors are clearing debris from the fire, with work starting in Factory Road overnight.

They added: “Clearance work has gone well overnight, with all large items of debris removed from Factory Road. We expect the work on Factory Road to be complete later today.

“The second phase of works will concentrate on Lawn Road Primary School and the family hub.

“Air testing has been taking place from before the works started and throughout the clearance process.

“Given that clean-up is underway, and all visible contamination removed, the overall risk to public health is very low.

“The monitoring results provide assurance that no significant levels of asbestos can be detected in the air.”

Pictures taken last night showed workers in hazmat suits and masks carrying plastic bags and hoovers, cleaning debris from cars parked in Factory Road.

The local authority has advised residents to leave any ash or debris on their property or in their garden alone and to contact the council to arrange decontamination on 01474 337000.

Lawn Primary School will also be closed for the rest of the week to ensure that the building and surrounding areas are safe and the asbestos is cleared away.

A spokesperson for KCC said the High Street between Factory Road and the Hot Rod Diner will remain closed until further notice while works continue.

They added: “We appreciate the impact this has on local businesses and residents and are working closely with Gravesham council to provide updates and support.

“Regular updates are being shared on Gravesham council’s website and social media channels.

“Safety must remain our priority, and we thank residents and businesses for their patience while these essential works are completed.”

Portlands, also known as The Factory Club, is a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1878. It was built by cement manufacturer Thomas Bevan.

Although it has been empty for more than 30 years, the property was once a hub for the area and used to have its own outdoor pool and a stage.

Following the blaze, calls have been made to ensure the building, which is a prominent feature of the High Street, is restored and brought back into use.

MP for Gravesham, Dr Lauren Sullivan, previously explained that the site is currently the subject of probate following the death of its previous owner.

This is not the first time the building has been hit by a fire, with reports happening in December 2022, July 2023, September 2024 and March this year.