REGULAR late-night shopping is coming to York. Shops are to stay open until 8pm on Thursday evenings throughout the year, starting before Easter on April 17.

More than 30 retailers, including Marks & Spencer, WH Smiths, Bhs, Boots, Woolworths and Allders, have already agreed to take part in the scheme, which will mirror York's late-night shopping campaign in the run-up to Christmas.

Many more shops are expected to join in over the next few weeks.

Organisers are hoping tourist attractions, cafs and restaurants will also play a full role, and opportunities for evening entertainment and markets are being explored.

At least one multi-storey car park will be kept open late, and City of York Council says it is due to have discussions with First York over extending Park & Ride and normal bus services.

Temporary traffic orders are being drawn up to extend pedestrian hours in

the city centre on Thursday evenings, on similar lines to those which

operate at Christmas.

The introduction of regular late-night shopping is the brainchild of City of York Council, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and First

Stop York Tourism Partnership.

Brian Littlejohn, manager of the Marks & Spencer store in Parliament Street, said

there was growing support for late-night opening from across the city centre.

"The numbers of retailers who have signed up is growing daily. The commitment from the council and the chamber is very important - not least the council's

decision to open up at least one of the multi-storey car parks.

"This is a real opportunity to bring more activity back into the city centre in the

evening, to the benefit of all retailers.

"It is an excellent example of businesses and the council working together."

Councillor Bob Scrase, the council's executive member for community,

economic development, and commercial services, said the authority had been looking for opportunities to boost the evening economy and strengthen the marketing of the city, and was delighted to be working with retailers and the chamber on the scheme.

"It is likely to be attractive to both residents and visitors, and we aim

to promote the scheme to bring much needed additional business into the city

centre. We hope that we are able to offer a very special evening experience."

Diana Dickson, chair of the chamber of commerce's retail committee, said it hoped most city centre retailers and businesses would want to join in what was an important initiative.

However, she was mindful that some "operational issues" might be raised which it would be keen to address.

"Over the next few days, we will therefore be writing to retailers and other city centre businesses asking them to confirm their commitment to be involved and

identify any operational issues that might arise," she said.

"We also want to hear of any ideas that they might have as to make the scheme successful."

Discussions are taking place with the tourism industry, through the First

Stop York tourism partnership, to promote the scheme to visitors as well as residents.

Further detailed planning will take place over the next few weeks, and

details of shops involved and parking and traffic arrangements will be announced later.

Updated: 11:43 Friday, January 24, 2003