A POPULAR councillor credited with making Bishopthorpe Road a national name, helping to launch the Micklegate Run and stopping controversial plans for a visitor centre at Clifford’s Tower has announced he is stepping down.

Cllr Johnny Hayes has been an Independent councillor for Micklegate ward since 2015.

The father of four announced earlier this week that he and his wife Frankie have also sold Frankie & Johnny’s Cookshop, which they opened on Bishopthorpe Road seven years ago.

But he said: “My wife and I have an opportunity for a bit of free time and it would be nice to take advantage of that.

“I will be leaving with a heavy heart. But I’m not going anywhere - I may be stepping down as a councillor but I’m not disappearing. York is my home and the place I love. If I’m not happy with something I will still be campaigning.”

Cllr Hayes applied for judicial review in 2016 after councillors gave planning permission for a visitor centre below Clifford’s Tower. In June English Heritage abandoned the plans, leaving Cllr Hayes £42,000 out of pocket. A fundraising campaign has helped him recover some of the money but he said he has still lost about £20,000.

Cllr Hayes said: “Frankie and I have been completely and utterly united in the Clifford’s Tower campaign and it is down to her as much as me. She has been a fantastic person as always.

“The experience of being involved in a court case with the council and English Heritage is something I have really not enjoyed.

“It certainly wasn’t something I wanted to do but I felt there was no choice. It was worth it to stop what was going to be a terrible mistake.”

He thanked the “incredibly generous” people who have donated to the fundraising campaign and added: “I really would like to support English Heritage and the Castle Museum to see them come up with an alternative and work on a much more exciting and positive plan and I wish them the best for the future.”

He said it has been an “honour” to serve as a councillor and the high points include being involved with the Micklegate Run and the Micklegate Business Initiative, and Indie York trying to encourage people to use independent businesses.

He added: “The first highlight was getting elected in May 2015 with such a handsome number of votes, which is unusual for an independent, that was lovely.

“I managed to get a motion passed through council that the city should support the arts and creative industries and that’s something I’m particularly keen on.

“The honour of being a councillor has been the high point. I have enjoyed it in parts but not the conflicts as I’m not a person who likes conflict.”

He will continue as councillor until the local elections in May 2019 and said after that: “The plan is no plan. I suspect maybe a few holidays.”