I WAS saddened to read of shop closures in Micklegate (The Press, February 21) and would urge the retailers, professionals and residents to consider forming a quarter.

It is due to the foresight of particularly Ewan Allison and Trevor Fenwick, experienced retailers and leaders of street associations at the time, that two years ago the Minster Quarter (MQ) was formed.

The concept is well established in UK and European cities. Think Brighton’s Lanes, and Derby, Birmingham, Belfast, Prague, Paris and Barcelona.

They serve to enhance the city for visitors and encourage locals to browse and shop in areas previously passed by.

Mr Allison and Mr Fenwick saw the wisdom of promoting not only the retailers within their streets, but also to highlight wonderful and sometimes hidden architectural and historical gems.

The MQ now boasts a steadily growing membership that benefits from support from its ward (Guildhall), City of York Council and more than 60 businesses, professions and institutions.

Micklegate, too, is rich in history and architecture and, like the MQ, boasts an eclectic mix of independent retailers and other businesses, who by working together to make for a brighter future could have their streets truly recognised as a must-see area of York.

David Brooks, Chair, Minster Quarter.