THE highly negative messages presented in your article about Newgate Market were very disappointing (April 22).

It is a fact that markets nationally are finding trading difficult, not least as a result of changing retail patterns. Retail performance generally is also under pressure and this is why the council is putting increased emphasis on support for the city centre economy.

It is hoped that action from the new City Centre Partnership will attract more people to York and the city centre and this will benefit the market along with other city centre traders.

Despite this difficult retail environment, occupancy levels at Newgate Market have remained above 70 per cent (a high figure for a seven day market). Twenty-seven per cent of traders on the Monday to Saturday market come from York and 29 per cent on Sunday. Take-up levels are, therefore, dependent on traders from outside the immediate York area.

A working group of council officers and traders has identified a number of actions and initiatives and it remains for the traders to respond to the proposals.

In the end, however, it is the traders themselves who know their own market, can review their products/merchandise and respond to the changing retail scene.

The distinctive identity and quality of the market - key reasons for people to shop there - are very much dependent on them establishing a clear brand and identity for York's market. Residents and visitors are important as potential customers ,and some traders see visitors being of greater importance for the future.

The council is committed to continuing to work with the market traders and a successful Newgate Market remains an important part of the overall city centre retail offer.

Tony Bennett,

Assistant director, economic development, City of York Council,

George Hudson Street,

York.

Updated: 10:52 Friday, April 29, 2005