MOTORISTS in Selby face weeks of diversions and jams as a major road into the town is closed.

New Street is due to be shut for several weeks from today, meaning diversions and potentially long delays, particularly for commuters.

The closure is being brought in by North Yorkshire County Council, according to Selby councillor Steve Shaw-Wright. The Press understands it is so work can be carried out on the traffic lights.

Coun Shaw-Wright said: “It’s just going to be a mess with roads blocked with cars and wagons.”

He said the county council had applied for a wide-ranging closure order for many of the roads in Selby last year, meaning it now has the authority to close the road with little notice.

On top of the New Street closure, The Press also understands that a section of the A19 is to be closed, meaning HGVs heading to the site of the new hospital will be diverted through Selby town centre. The road will be shut from Baffam Lane in Selby to Courtneys to allow the road to be resurfaced.

Coun Shaw-Wright said: “All the heavy construction traffic for the hospital is going to be diverted through the town, that’s happening in the next few weeks.

“There’s been no real notice for anyone.”