A FIVE-POINT action plan has been drawn up to help York's retail sector as a new survey reveals gloomy trends.

A hundred city centre retailers were asked to take part in the survey by City of York Council's economic development board.

The first results show that many have lost trade in the past year.

Asked about changes in the number of customers served in the first quarter of this year compared with the same quarter in 2004, more than 43 per cent reported a fall, with only 22.2 per cent saying numbers had risen.

Asked about turnover, 40.7 per cent of managers said sales had fallen in the first quarter compared to a year ago, with 34.5 per cent saying they had risen.

A report to next Tuesday's board meeting says the trends and difficulties reflect national figures, but the council is responding to them by re-focusing its economic development activity to put greater emphasis on the city centre and retail economy.

Economic development officer Simon Daubeney said a five-point plan for action had now been agreed. It is:

More intelligence data was being collected and researched to see what was going on - for example with the new retailer survey

More would be done to make retailers aware of existing activities and campaigns, such as the Food & Drink Festival, enabling them to get involved through activities such as window displays and special offers.

Efforts would be made to ensure retailers' views were heard through a series of committees representing streets or areas. Such views would be passed on to the new city centre chief executive.

There would be additional and refocused activities, for example improved signage and information, efforts to tackle litter or noise, or develop extended hours.

Retailers would be encouraged to take up the business support and advice that was available in York, for example from the York Business Advice Centre.

"Retailers tend not to use the business advice service very much at the moment," said Mr Daubeney.

Meanwhile, an overall survey of all sectors of business in York has suggested that growth is slowing down, with trading conditions and operating levels significantly down on levels a year ago.

However, employment is still rising, with levels five per cent higher in the first quarter of this year compared to the same time last year.

"Confidence in future employment levels is firm too, with similar levels intending to take on staff as was the case this time last year," said the report.

"It would appear that, in general, declining turnover levels have not, as yet, had an effect upon staffing levels or anticipated requirements."

Updated: 08:35 Wednesday, June 15, 2005