Traffic warning as repair work starts on sinkhole

The council said it was not yet known what caused the sinkhole to open

Motorists are being urged to plan ahead as emergency repair work starts on a sinkhole which opened up in York city centre.

The void, on St Leonard's Place, near York Theatre Royal, was made safe after it appeared on Wednesday, but the council said repairs were needed to fix underground damage and the road surface.

The work, which is set to start from 09:30 BST on Tuesday, will involve a lane closure and is expected to last two weeks.

The theatre and neighbouring businesses would remain open, City of York Council confirmed.

The road is a major route through the centre of York.

Repairs will mean St Leonard's Place will be closed to inbound traffic from Bootham Bar.

Outbound traffic - from Museum Street to Bootham/Gillygate - can continue to use the route.

The authority said pedestrian access would remain open, with cyclists able to use a diversion taking them under Bootham Bar, along High Petergate and right on to Duncombe Place.

Travel information including bus diversions could be found online, the council added.

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