Council officers have been talking to York retailers about the state of shopping in the city. Evening Press reporter STEVE CARROLL looks at what they found.

CRIME, drinking, uncertainty over late-night shopping and a growing "yob culture" are threatening to undermine the generally positive attitude among York traders.

This is one of the main findings of a confidential council report on the state of shopping in the city.

The report, of which the Evening Press has seen a draft, reveals that officers spoke to more than 40 retailers and businesses over a four-month period to ask them how they felt about trade in the city.

They ranged from large retailers to Micklegate traders, as well as property developers and people without a vested interest in retail.

While they are distinct from each other, with different priorities, all reported that the city could do better if its retail economy was to thrive in the future.

Large and medium-sized retailers said they were recovering from a disappointing Christmas period, while smaller businesses said more needed to be done to promote their markets.

York was seen as a popular and successful shopping venue, but one that still had "a lot of potential to improve".

Larger retailers called for a "flagship" retailer, with property developers echoing the call for a prestigious chain like John Lewis to open a store in the city.

But independent stores raised concerns that the high cost of city centre rents made it difficult for them to establish new businesses.

The uncertainty over the rejected Coppergate II retail development near the historic Clifford's Tower had hindered firms which were looking to progress in the city.

On the thorny issue of late-night shopping, there was division and uncertainty, with the retail groups arguing for more thought to be put into the afternoon and evening economy to make people feel that they can stay in the city centre after work, instead of going home.

Retailers said York had a number of strengths, including its many historic attractions and its extensive Park&Ride services, but smaller retailers were more concerned about the city's drinking culture and the lack of police officers in Micklegate, a street known for its bars.

Smaller retailers were also concerned by a growing "yob" culture, and the city's increasing reputation for stag and hen parties.

Other concerns were about crime, beggars, the poor standard of the Christmas lights, and rubbish - particularly in Micklegate and Gillygate.

Each group also had different views on the way the city could be developed in the future. Ideas included a York loyalty card giving people who shop regularly in the city discounts, splitting the city into different "quarters" and more events to increase the cultural vibrancy of the city.

Traders are by no means downcast about their place in city affairs, but each has used the report to argue for more constructive work to be done - to improve everyone's business.

Updated: 09:04 Thursday, May 27, 2004