MORE than 1,280 people have had their say on the future of Front Street in Acomb.

Councillor Andrew Waller said there is a "huge amount of pride" in the area and a "strong appetite for change".

The number of shops rented out in Front Street has increased significantly in the past three years, according to City of York Council.

And the area is one of York's suburbs benefitting from a retail boom following the pandemic and more residents working from home, according to a commercial property agent.

Empty shops in the area have been re-let within days, according to rental companies.

The council launched a survey asking people to have their say on the future of Front Street for businesses, residents and visitors.

In total 1,259 residents and 27 businesses took part.

Cllr Andrew Waller thanked them for their responses, saying: “While it is going to take a couple of weeks to process all the results, there have been some really strong messages coming across.

“There is clearly a huge amount of pride in Front Street.

"There’s a strong appetite for change to make sure it plays a family-friendly role in everyday life for residents from Acomb and beyond.

“Businesses have also set us a challenge.

"They want us to explore bigger and bolder changes.

“So this won’t be the end of the conversation – we’ll share the results of the survey and an emerging action plan to meet resident and businesses needs soon.”

People were asked what they like about the area and what they would change.

Before the pandemic the council set aside £50,000 to invest in Front Street.

Cllr Sue Hunter runs a business in Front Street and said she sees potential in improving the area.

She said: “Whilst the past 12 months have presented major challenges for so many local businesses and residents, we have also seen people reconnect with their communities and use the independent, local shops which give York its special character. We now have a chance to combine that community spirit with the huge potential of Front Street to offer a welcoming place where local people can live, work and relax.

“As a local councillor and business owner in the area, I fully recognise the potential of Front Street for both business as well as our local community."

A market researcher also knocked on 500 residents' doors ahead of the survey to invite them to have their say.

The results of the survey will be reviewed and considered by senior councillors.

People can still take part by emailing economicgrowth@york.gov.uk