A MAJOR push to bring seasonal shoppers flocking into York this Christmas is already promising success.

The 10th St Nicholas Fayre started last night - with early indications showing last year's slump in tourist numbers following the floods has been reversed.

"Early accommodation bookings are as high, if not slightly up, on what they were in 1999," said Gillian Cruddas, the chief executive of the York Tourism Bureau.

"In fact, bookings right up to Christmas are looking very healthy. We are expecting this to be a very good year."

Fears that congestion-causing roadworks on the A64 could affect visitor numbers are being tackled by City of York Council.

Tony Bennett, the council's assistant director of economic development, said: "We have contacted all of the several hundred coach operators on our mailing list to give advice as to what to look out for, warning them to be aware of possible delays and possible ways of avoiding them.

"We are trying to ensure that visitors to the city know what to expect and that they have advance notice so they can make sure that it is not a problem."

Advice being sent out includes taking the A59 from the A1 for coaches travelling from the south, using the A19 if possible, travelling outside peak times and allowing extra time in preparation for any delay.

"The St Nicholas Fayre is a huge weekend for the city, it starts off the whole run up to Christmas and it has been a huge success in the past," said Mr Bennett.

"Retailing in the city is holding up pretty well, but the next few weeks are crucial. Hopefully, we will kick off with a very successful weekend."

Because of last year's floods, the York Tourism Bureau is working on figures from 1999 when setting aims for this year.

"We will have to wait and see how the A64 works affect this weekend, but early indications are that it is going to be very good," said Mrs Cruddas.

The fair's attractions include a craft market in Parliament Street and King's Square, a Yorkshire Pantry market in St Sampson's Square and a Medieval market in the Barley Hall.

The event was kicked off last night with the turning on of the Christmas lights in Coppergate.

Updated: 08:07 Friday, November 23, 2001