A MAJOR push is under way to clean the pavements and revive the economy of one of York's most historic city centre streets.

A top level meeting has been held to discuss how life can be breathed back into Micklegate, where traders have complained that the area is being turned into "a ghetto".

Local business leaders said there were too many empty shops in Micklegate and rubbish was being allowed to pile up.

But after a meeting between the Micklegate ward's three Labour councillors, economic development chief Tony Bennett, and senior members of City of York Council's ruling Liberal Democrat group, the way has been paved for Micklegate to thrive again.

As a first step, council chiefs will review their cleaning and rubbish collection services to ensure that the appearance of Micklegate is kept to a high standard.

Ward councillor Sandy Fraser said: "It was agreed that we would try to develop a strategy to see what sort of businesses can flourish in the street, to encourage landlords and property agents to see how a selection of businesses can be attracted.

"We have been concerned that Micklegate, one of York's main historic streets, is in some degree of decline. We want to see a busy, vibrant Micklegate."

Coun Fraser said he and ward colleagues Dave Evans and Dave Merrett had been working with local police officers about stamping out low-level crime in Micklegate.

He added: "We are talking street nuisance, such as litter. The council's street and commercial services are reviewing their schedules and collections. It is a case of ensuring everything is properly co-ordinated." Micklegate business spokesman Paul Abbott, who runs the street's post office, said: "Our fingers are crossed. Whatever scheme is available to regenerate Micklegate we are all for it, and everybody will put a lot of effort into it.

"Individuality and variety are what we need here."

City council deputy leader Andrew Waller said that Micklegate had a special status as the traditional route for the monarch of the day to enter York.

He said: "It has a unique part of York's heritage but has declined over a number of decades. We all want to come together to do our bit to make it a vibrant place where locals and visitors can shop, use services and enjoy the history."

Mr Abbott has recently been at the forefront of a campaign against parking charges in Micklegate.

Updated: 09:39 Wednesday, March 24, 2004