Further to the letter "Why is Newgate being so neglected?" (Evening Press, June 6), I feel it is only fair to respond to some of the points raised as well as stressing the very good relationship we have with traders in Newgate Market.

The council is at liberty to run markets in the city centre under the "Markets Charter" it possesses.

The author of the letter seemed to believe the charter prevented other markets being held within six and two third miles of Newgate Market, whereas the charter, in fact, protects the council's franchise as market operators, i.e. no one else (other than the council) can run markets within that radius.

The council is merely exercising it's right in holding these special event markets in the city which are, on the whole, very well received as city attractions.

All traders operating from the event markets in Parliament Street have to pay a licence fee, and in most cases far more than in Newgate (e.g. £70 a day for this year for a stall at St Nicholas Fayre). In fact, licence fees for standing on the event markets were increased to such an extent this year to offset the (otherwise) full increase that would have been imposed on Newgate stalls to balance the budget. In effect, therefore, the event markets subsidise Newgate fees (and are certainly no burden on local council tax payers). Stall occupancy at Newgate is running on average at about 90 per cent, which for a seven-day-a- week market is pretty favourable when compared to others.

Furthermore, no less than £26,000 is being spent on Newgate Market within the next year in response to traders' comments to improve the stall canopies, lighting and the layout.

Hardly a case of "negligence".

Paul Thackray,

Head of Client and City Centre Services, City of York Council.