PARKING charges have long been a cause of resentment in York.

For a while it seemed York's pricey parking was doing the city harm. Motorists complained, tourists complained and shopkeepers complained.

It almost seemed as if York was doing everything it could to deter visitors and shoppers.

But despite an initial backlash, and later fears that the city's parking budget was down by as much as £100,000, a different and happier picture is now emerging.

A rise in motorists coming to the city has seen parking use hit new heights - and revenue has increased this year by £350,000.

The council, understandably enough, feels vindicated, although it is worth remembering that some charges were reduced to counter their original unpopularity.

Fortunately, York remains such a strong draw for its culture, history, food and shops that visitors didn't stay away for long. As the York Tourism Awards revealed last week, the city made £300 million from tourism last year - the highest ever figure.

Use of Park&Ride is soaring too, which is good news as Christmas approaches. The festive boom is about to begin, and with spending for Yorkshire predicted to hit new records this year, businesses in the city will be hoping for a bumper season.

There has been so much bad economic news for York recently, with job losses announced at Nestl Rowntree, Norwich Union British Sugar. Traditional industries do appear to be struggling. So it is good to report that the city is still thriving in other areas.