CHURCH Street in Norton saw further chaos this morning as a piece of equipment rolled off the back of a lorry it was being transported on.

The roller became lodged against the wall near Derwent Swimming pool at around 6am and was eventually removed eight hours later.

Work has now starting on resurfacing the work with diversions in place via St Nicholas Street.

Darren Rushworth, landlord of the Derwent Arms in Church Street, said: "We are not blaming the workmen, accidents happen, but this is just the icing on the cake.

"I was expecting customers here for a pensioners' Christmas party but only 10 have been able to get here."

Darren added: "All the businesses have been as patient and accommodating has we can but it has been eight weeks now. This is the busiest time of the year for me and I am looking at an empty pub because people have given up trying to get here."

Tony Boorman, owner of Tyke Petroleum, said: "We appreciate the work has to be done - we have been asking for it as well - but there doesn't seem to be any joined up thinking.

"It is very frustrating and costing us a lot of money. I understand the issues over health and safety but there must have been a more efficient way to do the work. The whole of Malton and Norton is suffering chaos at a time of year when people need to get out and about."