YOUR editorial of May 13 rightly points out the problems of restoring the reputation and attractiveness of the city’s market.

Last year PLACE published a report on Yorkshire markets and market towns.

We examined 18 markets, ranging from Leyburn to Beverley, including York’s. The speciality markets in York (including farmers’, foreign and Christmas markets), averaged 60 stalls, the Saturday market had 40 stalls and the Monday (food) market averaged 20.

All of these were on Parliament Street.

York’s markets were already declining, whilst Beverley’s (84 stalls) was prospering and Ripon’s, Northallerton’s, Selby Bank Holiday market, were holding their own.

Almost all the markets were in the very centre of town, close to public transport and not competing with major food halls and free parking at out-of-town shopping parks.

On the whole seasonal and speciality markets, including farmer’s markets (now operating in semi-professional groups moving around clusters of towns) seem to do well, but competition from supermarkets is providing a more attractive environment for the car-based and rain-averse shopper.

Under-cover halls such as Leeds are also retaining customers.

Sadly the decision to put York’s market back in Newgate seems to have been both a waste of a newly-created public space and made both Parliament Street and the city’s stalls less attractive to visitors.

Dr Michael Hopkinson, PLACE Research Centre, York St John University, York.