I WAS intrigued to read your lead article regarding the rising demand for retail space in the city centre (The Press, May 30).

The reverse seems to be the case in Micklegate. Over the past few years, a number of retail businesses of considerable quality and interest have either relocated or simply stopped trading.

The most notable losses are a specialist classical CD shop, a bookshop with an outstanding vegetarian cafe/restaurant attached to it and, most recently, a brave venture into the retailing of the best of Yorkshire food, which also had an excellent cafe attached. Empty shop fronts now deaden the street scene.

What can be the reason? Is the street’s hen night/race night alcohol-fuelled ‘Micklegate Run’ to blame or is it that rents are too high?

Gillygate, which is a similar distance from the centre and has retail premises of a similar size and character, seems to be faring better. Can anyone explain why Micklegate is ailing?

Barry Joyce, Jacob’s Court, Trinity Lane, Micklegate, York.