ONE of York's oldest independent retailers is to shut down.

Edmund Jackson Menswear, which has run a shop in Davygate for more than 67 years is to close, owner Paul Jackson revealed.

Mr Jackson, the third generation of his family to run the shop, said he wanted to explore new pastures and horizons.

He said he would retain ownership of the Grade II listed building, which has been the clothes shop's home, but would be seeking a tenant.

Mr Jackson said: "I have enjoyed my time in York immensely and have been supported by very loyal staff and customers.

"I will be sorry to leave the excitement and ever-changing challenges in the high street.

"I hope I will find the same buzz elsewhere.

"I have enjoyed looking after this building over the years and have recently completed a refurbishment programme."

Retail property specialists Blacks has been appointed to find a new occupier in a deal which partner Andrew Hedley said could attract a nationally-known retailer to York.

He said he was expecting a deluge of inquiries for the 1,000-plus sq ft of retail space.

"This property, in what is a prime pitch, really is a gem and has air-conditioned ground and first-floor retail space," he said.

"Here's a great chance for the city to attract one of the country's major names - many of whom take the view that York is a city full of small shops where they cannot find a unit of over 1,000 sq ft.

"Well here is one. Already one company with branches around the world has said they'll take it.

"I am sure that we will soon see another major player come to York."

Updated: 10:40 Friday, November 18, 2005