HIGH street shops are not having the best time of it. Earlier this month, the British Retail Consortium cautioned that Britain was facing a "consumer-led recession".

So it is no surprise to learn that York shops are struggling. Twice as many retailers report a fall in the number of customers served than report a rise.

After adding to retailers' woes with the hike in car park charges, the city council has set out a five-point plan to help them. These are mainly concerned with improving communication between the council and shops.

As such, a lot rests on the soon-to-be-appointed city centre chief executive, responsible for working "closely with retailers and other local businesses to identify their needs".

Clearly, York needs new shops to tempt people away from the "northern Knightsbridge" that is Leeds. Fortunately, they are on their way.

York women have been crying out for their own H&M and Zara, coming soon to Spurriergate, and a giant Topshop is set to take over Allders' old space in Piccadilly.

Big name chain stores are not the only answer, however. York has been insulated from the chilliest economic winds in the past because it boasts a mix of high street names and unique independent stores.

A recent report warned that many towns were becoming clones of one another. York must work to retain a variety of shops if it is to lure consumers away from retail parks and cyber malls.

Updated: 11:02 Wednesday, June 15, 2005