Readers blame council but also seek better shopping in York

The slump was worse than the national average and whilst provisional June figures tend to have York performing better than the national average, even if sales and footfall remain well down.

However, there is much support for the view that other factors are at play, such as the wider economy, a shift to online sales, and the city centre needing to improve its retail offer.

Both York BID and Cllr Pete Kilbane, executive member for economy at City of York Council have both cited these factors as they grapple with problems seeking solutions.

However, one reader pointed out that in his statement to the Press, Cllr Kilbane saying “there are significant factors beyond parking charges” it was “an admission that parking charges are a factor.” It was also “a factor the council can control” with it able to pull a lever “to at least help the situation somewhat.”

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Another reader told the Press: “I don’t shop or visit York because of parking charges even though it’s the town I was born in and lived in for thirty years.”

The May figures from York BID, which sparked the debate. The provisional figures are better. (Image: Pic supplied)

One said he used to go to the city centre on Saturdays for coffee and a shop when parking was cheaper, but they haven’t been since July, costing retailers £200 a month from themselves alone.

Another said: “If parking was cheaper more people would go into town and they’d have more money to spend in local businesses.”

With one adding: “The incompetence of these people (councillors) is beyond belief, not seeing the reality of their decisions shows their arrogance and lack of understanding.”

However, the council had support from one reader for discouraging car use and encouraging more use of bikes and public transport.

They said: “This has made the city centre a much more pleasant place to be and is broadly similar to many historic cities in the UK and across continental Europe.”

Another said: “Car parking uses prime city centre land. I’m not sure why people who choose to park in the centre shouldn’t pay an appropriate rate. As well, it seems to me that the car parks are approximately as busy as ever.”

Cllr Pete Kilbane says other factors are also causing a drop in sales and footfall. (Image: Pic supplied)

One reader called on retailers to look at the quality of the goods and services they were selling.

They said: “It’s tough to compete with the ever-increasing trend for online shopping but blaming car parking charges doesn’t cut the mustard.”

One reader, who lives on the edge of the city, said they used to go to the city centre every Friday to buy clothes and records, which was their highlight of the week.

They said: “But most of those shops have disappeared and haven’t been replaced. Instead, the city centre has seen a huge influx of coffee shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants.”

Whilst there are plans to redevelop Coney Street and the Riverside area soon, its current appearance may be a deterrent.

Andrew Lowson, executive director of York BID, addressing the parking issue at the business group’s AGM last week. (Image: Darren Greenwood)

One reader said: “Walking up Coney St, and trying to spend a decent amount of money, particularly in clothes retail, is almost impossible.

“The street is full of tat and pop-up venues. Look upwards at the buildings, apparently grade 2. A shabbier street would be hard to find.”

Coney Street is set for a revamp soon, which our readers say is much needed. (Image: Pic supplied)

Either way, York BID has offered to help the city council come up with a solution, with executive director Andrew Lowson suggesting lower charges in quieter periods. Our readers suggest similar.

One said: “Trial giving York residents a few hours free parking on quiet days – problem solved.”

Another agreed: “Give York residents an incentive to come in – free 4 hour parking on Monday mornings, free first hour other weekdays – I’d use it.”

And a word with the new occupants of Downing Street might also be needed.

One reader added: “High Parking charges always put people off but over the last 2 years the Labour government have taxed people so much they don’t have as much free cash to spend.”