HUNDREDS have joined our online debate over York's crowded Christmas market, with many saying they avoid it and raising concerns over the safety of shoppers.

The Press reported yesterday how pedestrians were reduced to a shuffle in parts of the city centre - in particular Parliament Street - because of the sheer volume of visitors by mid-afternoon, and asked whether readers thought the market was Christmas heaven or hell.

https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/17285883.city-centre-packed-as-christmas-market-attracts-thousands-from-across-country/

Almost 200 readers gave very differing views on our website, Facebook and Twitter, with some praising it but many saying it was hell for them and fearing the crowding could even result in a tragedy.

One said: "My primary concern is safety. If anything were to panic the crowd at the St Sampson's Square end and people rushed towards Thor's Tipi end, there is nowhere to go, and there is a real danger of crushing and people being trampled underfoot."

A second said some more effective stewarding was needed, at least at weekends, claiming:"Today the market on Parliament Street was dangerously overcrowded at times and should anything adverse happen folk,especially young and old, could be seriously hurt.

"Something like a one-way system in and out, and a few stewards tasked with keeping things flowing, should solve it."

Several suggested that the stalls should be spread around town, in streets such as Coney Street, or open places such as the Eye of York, with one claiming they were too close together on Parliament Street, adding: "Certainly no fun on a mobility scooter!"

Many told how they found visiting the market a deeply unpleasant experiences: "It's absolute hell. I won't go into town on Saturday until after Christmas. It's a nightmare for residents who just want to go about their everyday business and can't move for the crowds."

Another said: "As a resident, I had the misfortune to go into the centre today. It was so busy that walking was 'snail pace' and actually a pain in the @@@@. Never again!"

But the market and its popularity was warmly welcomed by a minority of readers.

One claimed: "The more the merrier. It is an honour for York to be the country's most festive city. Don't like it? Simple, don't go."

A second said: "York has to be the only city in the country that whinges when people travel from far and wide to visit and spend money. I’m proud of the fact we have such a beautifully festive city that people want to visit at Christmas."

A third commented: "I think we should remember that without the tourists York town centre would be like the vast majority of town centres in the country, empty and depressing. Celebrate that it is busy!"

*The Press will be passing readers' views on to councillors and the city's destination management organisation Make it York for their reaction, and we'll let you know what they have to say.