WHEN did we forget that York is a market town?

For centuries this city was defined by its role as the region's marketplace. Then attitudes changed in the Sixties, when customers became "consumers".

While York escaped the worst town planning follies which blighted other cities, it altered the townscape in an equally dramatic way - by shunting the market off Parliament Street.

Today York people bring back foreign holiday tales of bantering with the locals in colourful bazaars. We even try to import this excitement through the continental markets on... Parliament Street.

Meanwhile, York's own market is left to decline. Residents who complain about the lack of city centre food shopping either overlook the market or find it impractical because of parking problems.

Tourists hoping to encounter a vibrant taste of British market life are left disappointed.

Supermarket fruit and veg has often travelled thousands of miles, losing nutrition in the process.

Much decent food is wasted because of superficial blemishes: a report today reveals how every supermarket cucumber must pass a 12-point check or be rejected.

The stuff grown in local soil and sold on local stalls is better for us and the environment.

It is time to revitalise York market. Perhaps the remaining stallholders could unite behind a campaign to do just that.

But they deserve much more help than is forthcoming from a council led by a man who shops only at Marks & Spencer.

Updated: 10:29 Friday, April 22, 2005