YORK market has had its expensive £1.6 million refit. But how can we now make the most of the money that has been spent, so the market becomes a must-visit part of the city centre?

That's the question we put to markets expert Dr Michael Hopkinson.

In today's newspaper he makes some exciting suggestions. They include painting the walls of buildings that overlook the market with bright 'trompe l'oeil' designs; adding more craft stalls; holding collectors fairs; brightening up the food court with potted plants and live music; extending opening hours into the early evening; and making better use of the nine entrances into the market, so as to draw people in.

Much of what he says makes great sense. So we put his suggestions to Chris Price, the new market manager.

Mr Price's response was also positive. A number of improvements are in the offing, he said - including crafts stalls, evening opening, and, possibly as early as next week, lights to brighten up the area around the food court.

Not everything will happen overnight. But by this time next year, Mr Price hopes to see "a vibrant market with a great variety of offerings, filled with residents and visitors spending quality time."

That sounds just what the doctor ordered.

There will still be those who think Parliament Street is the market's natural home. But that's not going to happen. What we need to do now is to make the market in Newgate so good it becomes a destination in its own right. If just some of the things Dr Hopkinson and Mr Price talk about in today's newspaper come off, that could just happen.