SCAFFOLDING collapsed on a main road this morning, causing major traffic problems..

The incident happened in Gillygate, York and the scaffolding completely blocked the road near the junction with Bootham. Nobody has been injured, North Yorkshire Police said.

City of York Council has asked drivers to avoid the Gillygate and Bootham area while emergency services attend the site, but said the street had now reopened to pedestrians.

It caused major traffic delays around the centre of York, with many motorists choosing to use Rougier Street instead of heading towards Gillygate.

Police have arrived at the scene and are questioning witnessed. City of York Council contractors are also on site to begin the clear-up.

A member of staff at Betfred on Bootham, said: "All I heard was a massive bang, one of our windows has been smashed by the scaffolding.

"Something needs to be done about this corner, it's a nightmare, the road is always busy, it's always busy round here.

"My cashier says a bus clip the scaffolding the other day.

"We will be open today as usual."

Lizzi Healy, who works at Croque-Monsieur, said: "A few customers witnessed it. They said a truck had caught the corner of the scaffolding and pulled it down.

"It's lucky there was nobody underneath."

"It happened between 7.30am and 8am."

A man who works for Transdev, who didn't want to be named, said: "It's an accident waiting to happen. My drivers have seen a couple of lorries come round and clip the scaffolding. It's a bit tight for the bigger lorries to get round.

"It's very lucky nobody was hurt."

The road is still closed but the footpath on the left hand side, looking inbound, is now open to pedestrians.

Neil Ferris, City of York Council's director of economy and place, said: "We are relieved that no-one has been injured and thank everyone for your patience with this matter. We are working with the police and will work with any health and safety investigation and have confirmed that the building is safe.

"We have reopened pedestrian access, are working to repair the damaged traffic light and are ensuring the scaffold is removed so the road can reopen.

"While traffic is moving between Bootham and St Leonards Place, the area remains very busy with diversions in place via Lord Mayor’s Walk and we advise people to expect delays and allow extra time for their journey.

"Bus operators have also diverted services away from the area and a bus warden is on site."