As the Evening Press launches its parking campaign, chief reporter Mike Laycock speaks to several city centre businesses about their growing concerns over charges and restrictions, and examines how the parking controversy has grown over the past six months.

THE owner of a city centre pub and tapas bar says business in recent weeks has been more than £1,000 per week down on the same period last year.

Jan Keenan, who owns both the Little John pub and Jack's Tapas Bar in Castlegate, blames charges and restrictions, and says: "Something needs to be done quick - before it's too late.

"I had a couple staying for three nights who found it impossible to park their car. They also picked up a parking ticket for overstaying the car park charge. They were furious.

"They loved my accommodation and loved the city of York, but said they would not be back. This is what I am hearing every day.

"This is a beautiful city, but we all rely enormously on tourists and people spending in the city."

She said the move of big shops to out-of-town locations were great for shoppers who could park their cars. "But we are going to end up with a city that will be dead from 5pm."

She believed that to encourage people into the city, parking should be free after 4.30pm.

Updated: 09:58 Thursday, July 01, 2004