TRADERS have hailed the return of York’s city centre market to its traditional home in Parliament Street on Mondays.

Stallholders say the switch from Newgate Market has resulted in a major boost to their takings – and say city centre bosses should consider making it a permanent change.

Market traders have long been calling for the market to return to Parliament Street, where it was once based, claiming too many shoppers are unaware Newgate even exists.

Now they have been given the opportunity on Mondays throughout the summer to move back there to allow maintenance work to be carried out at Newgate – although they are due to return there in the autumn.

During yesterday’s market – when the area was decked out with flags and bunting to mark St George’s Day – The Press asked stallholders for their initial assessment of the change, and met with an overwhewlmingly favourable response.

Beverley McCormick, who sells cards and jewellery, said: “I think it’s brilliant. It’s a lot busier.”

Steve Franks, who has run a stall selling shoes for four years, said: “It’s fabulous.

“I’ve been taking three times as much as I might take on a Monday at Newgate Market.

“It’s all about footfall.

“There are people walking past all the time.

“Tourists quite often say they didn’t realise Newgate Market existed.”

He said the authorities should consider keeping the Monday market in Parliament Street, even in winter.

Angie Gannon, who has sold ceramics for 15 years, said the change had led to an increase in trade.

Gordon and Jane David, who sell fruit and vegetables, also welcomed the changes, which they said had led to an increase in passing trade.

They said they had to agree to buy a smart new stall before they were allowed to make the move into the street.