ITS name means "great street". But Micklegate's greatness is fast diminishing, according to traders.

What was once a lively, friendly thoroughfare is fast becoming a ghetto, they say. Businesses have moved out and a number of offices stand empty. The street is often scarred by uncollected rubbish.

All of York should be worried by the gloom exuded by Micklegate traders. If no action is taken, the air of decline could quickly spiral into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Before we know it, York's royal route could rot and wither. That would be shameful.

Fortunately there is time to turn Micklegate's fortunes around. It still has many strengths. One of our most historic streets, Micklegate's role as the traditional royal entrance to York should be enough to encourage more tourists to stroll up the hill.

The architecture is always interesting, often inspiring. Like Gillygate and Fossgate, Micklegate boasts a number of unique and attractive shops, pubs and cafs.

Now to the problems. The heart of York has shifted. New developments east of the Ouse have left Micklegate more isolated, day and night. It is unintentionally bypassed by many visitors, and it can look shabby.

The fight-back ought to begin with the Micklegate traders themselves. Recently we reported how Walmgate businesses had united to fight crime, and a joint venture among traders in The Quarter has boosted its prospects.

The Micklegate business community should take up council leader Steve Galloway's invitation and join York Business Pride. A good clean up will deliver a psychological, as well as a physical, fillip.

Next a Micklegate working party should be formed, involving businesses, residents, the council and others. Its brief: to draw up a campaign to revitalise York's royal right of way. With imagination and hard work, Micklegate can be great again.

Updated: 10:49 Thursday, January 29, 2004