AN EVENT will be held in Acomb next month to help local businesses work more closely together, following a flurry of recent closures.

In recent weeks, Acomb has seen the closure of its HSBC branch, the volunteer-run Gateway Cafe, and the Barnitts store, and the meeting has been set up by Cllr Stuart Barnes and York Central MP Rachael Maskell with the aim of discussing the challenges, opportunities and priorities for businesses.

The meeting will be at The Gateway Centre in Front Street, Acomb, from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, August 12.

Cllr Barnes said Front Street was still feeling the benefit of £30,000 committed to the area by previous council administrations, and said Acomb Alive was doing as much as possible to assist with rejuvenation.

He said: “I believe much more needs to be done to help businesses as they work hard to create jobs and stimulate the communities they serve.

City of York Council must be more ambitious to help areas like Acomb where traders sometimes feel left behind by the council’s obsession with city-centre businesses.”

Traders and business owners have been encouraged to attend the meeting and air their views on the problems they face, and how the council or others can help improve the situation.

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In recent weeks, Acomb Alive has helped organise a new market, which has proven popular with shoppers, and is expected to expand in future.

Rachael Maskell said the meeting was vital to help raise issues and concerns about the local economy, and she hoped many local traders would attend or otherwise have their say.

She said: “Acomb is one of the most important districts of York and there has always been a thriving economy with a range of fantastic shops and services.

“However, in recent years there has been a decline and some businesses have been struggling. Others have closed after just a few months. We want to bring everyone together to discuss the ways in which we can help aid growth and boost prosperity.

"The people of Acomb deserve a flourishing local community. I hope lots of businesses will be represented at the meeting and that some great ideas come out of it.”

An online survey has also been set up to help inform the meeting on the thoughts and concerns of local businesses.

To take part in the survey, go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/AskAcombBusiness or send your thoughts on Twitter using the hashtag #AskAcomb.

Cllr Barnes said: “York’s MP and I are both really looking forward to working with business owners from across Acomb, from the Green to Boroughbridge road and beyond, as well as Front Street.”