STALLHOLDERS at York’s traditional Newgate market – recently refurbished as the Shambles Market – have long complained that the continental and farmers’ markets which occasionally come to Parliament Street have an unfair advantage.

Not any longer. Under new proposals all markets – with the single exception of the annual St Nicholas Fair – will be held in the Shambles Market or nearby Silver Street. The aim, says the council, is to make this a must-visit place for anyone coming into York, ending the “unfair” competition the traditional stallholders complain of, and bringing more people into the market.

It would be good if that were to happen. A thriving market is a vital component of any city centre, and contributes to the character that makes cities like York so special. The council says the move will also free-up space in Parliament Street for festivals such as the Great Yorkshire Fringe – a ten-day festival of music, comedy and theatre which will run from July 24 to August 2.

It is important that some alternative use is found for Parliament Street. It was originally built, well over a century ago, to house a market: that is why it is so wide. When nothing is happening there, it can be a little bleak and soulless.

It would be a great shame if, as a result of shifting all the markets out of Parliament Street, what should be the beating heart of the city ended up looking empty and lost.