YORK faces summer 2001 with some trepidation. The last eight months could hardly have been worse for a city which depends on tourism. Last winter, the world thought that York was up to its midriff in floodwater. This spring, the world believed that Yorkshire had been placed in quarantine by foot and mouth disease.

The number of overseas visitors, particularly those from the US, is likely to be down. How far down, and how badly the city will be affected, is yet to be seen.

So take heart from today's incredible land price values. The short term economic outlook may be shaky, but these figures suggest the long term picture is rosier.

We have the yuppies and dinkys to thank. The young, upwardly mobile professionals, and the dual-income no kids yet couples - to give them their full titles - are moving in.

They are looking for flats close to the city centre, and are willing to pay a premium for convenience. Developers are therefore prepared to pay £1 million and more an acre for central sites that can be turned into high density flats.

Such levels of investment suggest huge confidence in York's future. And the influx of wealthy professionals without families is good news for city pubs, restaurants, shops and other attractions.

In the rush to provide posh flats for incoming couples, it is vital that York's existing population is not forgotten. An Evening Press survey this spring found that traditional starter homes were now out of reach for someone on an average York salary.

Vital public sector staff, including teachers and hospital workers, are struggling to find properties they can afford. And in May we reported how York had the worst record in Yorkshire for housing people in temporary bed and breakfast accommodation because they were struggling to find permanent accommodation.

It is imperative, therefore, that more affordable housing is made available alongside the luxury apartments. Yorkies deserve a decent place to live as much as the dinkys and yuppies.

Updated: 10:40 Monday, June 18, 2001