WAYS of opening York’s outdoor market at night in a bid to boost its business and raise its profile are set to be analysed by the city’s political heads.

City of York Council is today expected to approve launching a review of Newgate Market to assess how it is coping with the recession and what can be done to help traders.

One possible area which could be looked at is “the further potential of the area, including both day and evening use of the space”.

The review is expected to study the impact that changing customer expectations and rival specialist markets have on Newgate’s performance, and may include staging a public event for stallholders and customers to air their views on its future.

The report by Alison Lowton, the council’s interim head of civic, legal and democratic services, said: “Newgate Market has fared fairly well compared to many open markets in the region, but there is still concern that trade will decline.

“York’s open market is seen as a key component of city centre retailing, providing an alternative offer to city centre shopping, plus numerous employment opportunities.”

The committee will also be asked to consider whether a dedicated task group should be formed to carry out any work on the market which the review deems necessary or desirable.