WHITNEY Toll Bridge is up for sale after the owners of six years have decided to retire.

Maggie Taylor and Grahame Penny bought the historic bridge over the River Wye in 2012 and have developed the business over the years.

Last June, Grahame was diagnosed with bowel cancer and following treatment, he is hoping for the all clear in November.

Maggie said: "It is so busy now. We have developed the business. It needs someone with a bit more energy to now take it forward."

The bridge is up for sale in the region of £795,000 which includes the bridge, which has tax-free status conferred by Acts of Parliament in 1774 and 1794, as well as the adjoining Grade II Listed Toll House, gardens and grounds on the north bank of the river with camping area, fishing platform and parking, a slipway for the launch and retrieval of small river craft, and double bank fishing rights.

The couple have gained full planning permission for the building of a new Toll House, café restaurant, visitor centre, shop and eco lodge development.

They have already carried out a range of refurbishments, including improvements to the structure and an upgrade to the automatic barrier system.

During their time as owners of the bridge, the husband and wife team have allowed charities to take over the bridge for a day and collect the toll money which has resulted in £14,000 being raised for charity.

Grahame and Maggie are planning to retire in the area. Maggie said that Grahame's symptoms were recognised early and it was just six weeks between his first symptoms and surgery. She encourages everyone to be aware of the symptoms and to go to the doctors if they are concerned.

GVA has been appointed to market the freehold. Philip Gibson of GVA’s Birmingham office comments: “As one of eight privately owned tax free toll bridges in the UK, Whitney Bridge is a fascinating piece of history, a thriving business and an ideal tax free investment opportunity for which we expect a great deal of interest.”

The daily toll fee for a motor vehicle to cross (any number of times between midnight to midnight) is £1.