BEING stuck in a traffic jam isn't just a nuisance - it's a cost to business.

Further evidence of the harm being done to York by the traffic chaos on the A64 at Copmanthorpe comes from the manager of the Tesco store at Askham Bar.

David Marks says that trade is down by ten per cent because of the congestion.

Tellingly, he also points out that business is up at the Tesco store at Seacroft on the outskirts of Leeds.

Some shoppers, it seems, are turning away from York and heading instead in the opposite direction - confirming fears that traffic chaos will deter people from coming to the city.

Here is yet another reason why we need to get York moving again as soon as possible.

Updated: 10:38 Thursday, November 01, 2001