NEW tourism figures appear to show that York's popularity continues to grow - despite the controversial city centre parking charges.

The study, conducted by the Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB) and based on a sample of accommodation providers, found that June 2004 was the city's busiest for more than five years.

A seasonal record was set for hotel bedroom occupancy, with 74.8 per cent of rooms occupied, compared to 65.9 per cent the previous year.

Visitor attractions across York also reported a 12 per cent increase in attendances during June, although they were five per cent down in the previous month.

But city centre traders, who are campaigning to scrap the council's parking charges, claim the figures just "don't tally" with the numbers coming through their doors.

David Cox, chairman of Fossgate Traders' Association, who runs Miniature Scene, has been one of the leading campaigners against the parking charges. He said: "I just don't know where they're getting their figures from. Our figures show we're definitely suffering.

"Our street, Fossgate, today (Saturday) is empty."

But City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said: "This is further evidence that York's unique combination of history, quality shopping and atmosphere is still one of the most attractive in the country.

"The figures underpin the statistics for transport released last week which showed a substantial increase in the numbers using public transport to access the city centre with car park usage remaining in line with projections.

"With large numbers of customers on the streets, the challenge now is to get them to spend more in the local economy."

Last week's transport figures showed that more than two million people use York's Park & Ride every year, and found there was an 18 per cent growth in First York bus service usage in 2003-4 compared to 2002-3.

Updated: 08:30 Monday, July 26, 2004