TRAFFIC bumper-to- bumper, as far as the eye could see.

That was the result today, when work started which will prevent traffic using a busy York thoroughfare for up to two months.

Shop owners on Bishopthorpe Road have criticised plans by Yorkshire Water to shut a section of the road between Nunnery Lane and Scarcroft Road for up to eight weeks to repair a sewer.

Traffic backed up across Skeldergate Bridge in today's morning rush hour, and commuters used back streets connecting Scarcroft Road and Nunnery Lane as rat runs, further adding to the problem.

Joyce Willis, owner of Secret Garden florists on Bishopthorpe Road, said the whole thing was "appalling".

She said: "I've been here since 7 o'clock this morning. I had to come in extra early just to be able to make it in.

"How are delivery wagons supposed to get through when the traffic is this bad? People are using all the side streets as rat-runs, and traffic has been backed-up for hours.

"I can't believe it. It's Mother's Day this weekend, the busiest time of year for me, and just look at it.

"I don't understand why this work couldn't have been carried out in January, before things got this busy."

Mrs Willis's comments mirror those of her neighbour, Johnny Hayes, owner of Pexton's Hardware who told the Evening Press last week: "The people that walk will not be put off, but there's an awful lot of people that come by car that will just give up."

Last week the Evening Press reported Yorkshire Water's David Parkin saying the work is part of a five-year programme of improvements being carried out across the city.

Mr Parkin said: "We do understand that this will cause inconvenience to some people, but would like to reassure residents that the work in Bishopthorpe Road is vital and we have worked closely with the Highways department when planning the work.

"We really wouldn't close the road unless it was necessary."

A spokeswoman for City of York Council said: "Local residents have been informed and City of York Council will resurface the road during the final stages of the project, providing Yorkshire Water completes its work on schedule.

"If due to unforeseen circumstances this is not possible the council will return to complete the work after the May meetings at York Racecourse. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to residents and motorists."

As work began today diversions were in place along Scarcroft Road, along Blossom Street and on to Nunnery Lane.

Workers will be on site between 7am and 7pShopm daily from Monday to Friday and from 8am until 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Pedestrian access as well as access to the car park, side streets and shops will be maintained at all times.

All businesses in the area will remain open as usual and the public car park at the bottom of Bishopthorpe Road will remain open.

Updated: 11:30 Monday, March 20, 2006