A LONG-serving newsagent, which was forced to close in the heart of York, is to reopen - less than 100 yards away.

It will be the start of a new era for Maynews, which recently shut in Parliament Street after more than 30 years - to the annoyance of staff and customers.

The business is moving to larger premises in nearby Jubbergate.

It was forced to make way for an extension of opticians Dollond & Aitchison on December 18.

The Press previously reported that about 1,500 people signed a petition objecting to the plans, but City of York Council's planning department granted approval.

Maynews launched a vigorous campaign to protect itself, after claiming it had been let down by its landlord.

The Co-operative Group owns both properties, and submitted an application to extend the optician at the expense of the newsagent.

Tony Wright, managing director, said Maynews was confident its regular customers would now use the new premises in Jubbergate.

He said about £20,000 was being spent on refurbishing the shop unit, which is twice as big as the previous store.

"When the planning approval went through, we had nowhere to run, so we were looking for alternative premises for two or three months," he said.

"We saw that the Jubbergate site was available and thought that would be the right move.

"Obviously, if I'd had a choice we would have stayed where we were.

"Our regular customers have been made aware of our plans.

"We are thrilled that we've been able to maintain a service near Parliament Street, otherwise local people would have nowhere to go for their Lottery tickets and Pay Point.

"The market traders are also pleased that we are moving there."

Mr Wright said the newsagent would be officially opened on Saturday, January 20.

He claimed they received no prior warning of the application to extend the opticians.

Maynews formally objected to the planning application, placed a large sign in the shop window calling for local support, and launched a petition.

More than 1,200 signatures were collected in the first seven weeks alone, rising to 1,500 by the time the petition was submitted to the council.