Scaffolding on historic street 'spoiling photos'

Tourists visiting York's most famous street have said the presence of scaffolding is "spoiling" their photos.

The Shambles is known for its 14th Century buildings and cobbled pavements and was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.

City of York Council said the scaffolding had been erected on the narrow thoroughfare so that repairs to a number of windows could be carried out safely.

Yet Azeen Shahbaz, who owns a wool and cashmere shop, said visitors had been put off entering the street due to road closure signs that had been placed there.

Wheelchair user Fiona Hirons, who was visiting on Thursday with her husband and dog, said she had been hoping to get scenic photographs of the medieval shops, which were once the premises of the city's butchers.

She told the BBC: "We are disappointed that there's scaffolding.

"I've been told by the family to take lots of pictures and it's all spoiled.

"It is a bit of a nightmare with a wheelchair".

She added: "Otherwise York is beautiful, and repairs have to be done."

However, mobility scooter user Colin Devine, visiting from Essex, said the scaffolding did not pose access problems for him and his partner.

The scaffolding is due to be in place for the next three months. The street has been closed to vehicles but pedestrian access is not affected.

Abbie Telfer, who works in Fabulously Rich bakery on the Shambles, said: "People come here for the Shambles and they come to take nice photos and to view the street as a whole all the way down, and it just takes away the beauty of the street."

The council's head of property services, Nicholas Collins, said: "We are acutely aware of the disruption this kind of project can cause, and are working with businesses to minimise disruption. This has included contacting businesses to understand their delivery movements and offering help such as the loan of hand-carts.

"We are also ensuring that customers can access the shops at all times and the council will be promoting Shambles as being open for business. We will continue with this support as the works progress."

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