A LONG-SERVING newsagent in the heart of York is to shut, after planning bosses gave a neighbouring optician permission to expand into the premises.

Maynews, in Parliament Street, will leave its home of 30 years, to make way for Dollond & Aitchison.

About 1,500 people signed a petition objecting to the plans, but City of York Council's planning department has granted approval.

As previously reported in The Press, Maynews launched a vigorous campaign to protect themselves, after claiming they had been let down by their landlord.

The Co-operative Group owns both properties, and submitted an application to extend the optician at the expense of the newsagent.

Maynews managing director Tony Wright claimed they received no prior warning of the application, and accused the landlord of being "underhand".

He formally objected to the planning application, placed a large sign in the shop window calling for local support, and launched a petition.

More than 1,200 signatures were collected in the first seven weeks alone, rising to 1,500 by the time the petition was submitted to the council.

Mr Wright today declined to comment on the council's decision. Speaking to The Press previously, he said: "Our lease had expired and we were waiting for a renewal. They were not forthcoming, and we wondered why - we know now!

"They have been a bit underhand with it because they did not tell us the reason, and did not tell us it was going to happen. This is a public amenity which has been there 30 years. People know us well and we feel that the people of York should not lose the outlet, hence the petition.

"I am not sure I blame Dollond & Aitchison - it's the landlord. I would have thought a good tenant and landlord relationship would have come to the fore and they could have let us know what they intended."

The application was approved by a council planning officer, without having to go to committee.

Dollond & Aitchison's expansion will allow them to provide a downstairs testing room with full wheelchair access.

Phil Edwards, of the Co-operative Group, said: "Following the granting of planning consent, we are now liaising with the news agent to establish a date on which we can take possession of the premises so that we can start work."