Scaffolding covering the Shambles has angered local businesses on the famous cobbled street who say they haven’t been consulted.

As a major tourist attraction to the city of York, the Shambles is the heart of independent businesses. York City Council believes around 8.9million tourists visit the city each year and the Shambles is a popular hot-spot for tourism.

Ayoob Atcha, owner of Famously Rich ! Gelato & Bakehouse, said: “The erection of the scaffolding should of actually been pre-seeded by a consultation exercise on part of the council with the business owners. I don’t believe that took place in any legitimate manner.

“The scaffolding which is here is a complete eye sore, and this is only part of it. There is more yet to come.”

Ayoob Atcha continued: “The duration and longevity of it is over 12 weeks and it is because somebody decided that the work to repair the windows would only take place for a matter of a few select hours during the course of each working day. Which is ridiculous.

“Quite frankly we want to get shot of it. It’s early days but I suspect at some point there will be a diminution in terms of trade. It is likely to deter some individuals from wanting to come to the shambles.”

As of March, City of York Council has said the building maintenance will continue until the 6th June.

Nicholas Collins, head of property services at City of York Council told YorkMix: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused while these works take place.

“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.”

This comes as there is continued disruption on Coney street. Road works are set to continue until 23rd March for gas works as York City Council publicised online.