YORK stores have been enjoying a Christmas business boom as shoppers flock in from across the region - undeterred by the A64 traffic jams.

Retailers say trading has been "very positive" throughout the run-up to Christmas, helped by a record number of city centre events and promotions.

Shopkeepers had feared severe congestion this autumn on the main route into York from West Yorkshire, caused by the contraflow at Copmanthorpe, would put shoppers off coming to the city.

"But people have stuck with York, despite the traffic problems," said Sally Kerr, chairwoman of the retail committee of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. I have spoken to about 15 retailers and everybody has been very positive. Everybody is up on last year, although you would expect that because we were suffering from the floods last time."

She said events in the city centre, including various street markets, the Festival of Angels in The Quarter and Santa's grotto in St Sampson's Square, had been fantastic, and she paid tribute to the city centre management and City of York Council for helping to organise so much.

"Now we just hope it all continues with the sales, which mostly start on December 27."

Adam Sinclair, chairman of the York Chamber of Trade, agreed the festive period had gone well for retailers. "York has had a tremendous Christmas," he said.

He believed the city's reputation was growing throughout the region for a high quality retail offer combined with its unique heritage.

"It's a very special city for shoppers."

But both retail leaders struck a cautious note when looking ahead to next year, saying they were concerned about the impact on the city of an anticipated sharp reduction in the number of international visitors in the wake of September 11.

Updated: 10:24 Monday, December 24, 2001