YORK traders have spoken of the disruption to business caused by traffic jams on the A64.

Work to remove traffic lights on the dual carriageway at Copmanthorpe began last Monday.

And as motorists faced tailbacks of up to seven miles, retailers warned of the knock-on effect for businesses in the city.

Adam Sinclair, of York Chamber of Trade, said: "This is a deeply damaging development for commerce in the whole of the greater York area." He said motorists were caught unawares by the delays as they travelled into the city.

There are fears businesses will suffer as motorists avoid the delays by choosing to shop elsewhere.

Norma Middlemiss, centre manager at McArthur Glen, confirmed the outlet centre had seen a slowing down of trade this week. She said: "It is early days yet for us to know whether it will have longer term consequences.

"But anything that makes our customers' journeys longer is not wonderful."

Mrs Middlemiss said staff had experienced difficulties when the roadworks first started.

She said: "I think the first few days took people by surprise.

"From a staff perspective I think it is an irritation, but now people are beginning to work out alternative routes.

"The longest anyone is having to travel is an extra 30 minutes, so people are adjusting to the situation."

Updated: 11:45 Monday, September 17, 2001