YORK'S place in a united Europe is being strengthened by a campaign to accept a shared currency.
Pressure group the European Movement met city MP Hugh Bayley in an effort to encourage York's traders to take the euro.
Some businesses, from large firms such as Virgin Megastore to smaller companies, like the Pyramid Gallery, in Stonegate, are already showing Euro Accepted Here stickers in their windows.
More are being encouraged to accept the continent-wide currency.
"International trade has been important to York for centuries," said Mr Bayley. "In the long term, we have a lot to gain from joining the euro, provided we join at the right time. In the meantime, we must wake up to what the euro means abroad.
"In 12 countries people are already getting used to spending euros when they go abroad, and they will spend less when they come to Britain if we don't accept their currency."
Terry Brent, who runs Pyramid Gallery, said: "We enjoy the custom of a large number of European visitors.
"The fact that we accept the euro makes them feel more welcome and accepted."
Updated: 12:33 Saturday, March 23, 2002
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