FOUR businesses in Shambles, York's most famous cobbled shopping street, are up for sale.

Last spring, anxious shopkeepers in the quaint medieval street complained that they were being hit by a combination of falling tourist trade and rising rents charged by their landlord, City of York Council.

But the property agent for three gift shops and a restaurant now on the market claims there are genuine reasons for selling in each case which have nothing to do with that controversy. Rosie Crux, of Barry Crux & Company, said: "Earlier this year there was quite a lot of negative publicity but more recently inquiries have picked up. Things are moving and the Shambles is always going to be one of the most visited streets in the city."

One of the businesses, the Aroma Gift Shop, has just slashed its price by £5,000 to £29,500. That includes a City of York Council rent of £15,600.

Mrs Crux said: "The owner, Pamela Swinburn, is leaving for personal reasons and is keen for a quick sale. It has been established as a gift shop for many years but she bought the shop about 18 months ago. It has been very successful but personal reasons involving lack of time means that she wants to sell."

At the other end of Shambles, Collectables is on the market for £22,500 plus £7,200 per annum rent.

The gift shop is a retirement sale as Geoff Searstone and his wife bow out.

A more specialist business, Heraldic Art and Design, which has been established in York for the past 11 years and which has its own website, is up for sale for £24,500.

Also for sale is L'antica Locanda with a delicatessen and coffee shop on the ground floor and restaurant above. The asking price of £89,500 includes the lease, which has about seven years to run.

Mrs Crux said: "I believe that the owners are setting up a different restaurant elsewhere in the city."

In all cases there had been interest and a fifth premises, Shambles Souvenirs was now under offer and was in the hands of solicitors.

"We got close to the asking price of £49,500," said Mrs Crux.