A WELL-known shopkeeper from York's booming Bishopthorpe Road has announced he is to fight for a seat on the city council.

As chairman of Bishopthorpe Road's Traders Association, Johnny Hayes has been a driving force behind the street's renaissance and several successful community events, like last year's Tour de France street party.

Now Mr Hayes wants to serve on City of York Council, and is running as an independent candidate for the Micklegate ward.

He said: "I have lived in the Micklegate ward for 28 years. It is an area that I love. I have worked hard as an individual and volunteer to try to make sure that this area remains a good area to live and work in.

"After a lot of thought over the last few months I have decided that I want to stand for election as an independent. I am an independent shopkeeper and I value my independence.

"My focus will be local residents and local businesses rather than simply following the ‘party line’ that some members of the main parties seem to do."

Disagreements between the political parties the reason York's Local Plan, something Mr Hayes believes is "essential to drive our communities and city forward", is still not in place, he said.

The former teacher joins a string of independent councillors fighting the council election, including Osbaldwick's Cllr Mark Warters, former Conservative councillor Joe Watt; former Labour councillors Ken King, Brian Watson, and David Scott; former Liberal Democrat councillor Christian Vassie; and Guildhall campaigner Gordon Campbell-Thomas.

He added: "I think the City of York Council will be highly effective with a number of independent councillors on it to balance the effects of the established political parties.

Last week Mr Hayes won praise from the Prime Minister for his work in the community, and was named a "Point of Light" for his role in making a change and inspiring others.

Micklegate ward is currently represented by three Labour members Julie Gunnell, Sandy Fraser and Dave Merrett, although with Cllr Fraser standing down his seat will be fought by University of York tutor Nick Button.

The Green party are also targetting the ward with three candidates, and both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are expected to field candidates across the city.