David Skaith gives his thoughts on the work in progress in York city centre

David Skaith, director of the York High Street Forum, which represents city center businesses, said the work at Lendal and High Petergate had had a major financial impact on traders.

The director’s concerns are expressed as The Press announced today that Mannetti’s cafe in Lendal has had to close temporarily due to this week’s work.

David, who owns independent clothing store Winston’s of York, said: “I think the fact that a business has decided to close for a period of time suggests how bad the trade has been as a result of this work can be fully understood become.”

David Skaith (Image: Included)

“My biggest disappointment is that it’s been quiet in York for four months, we’ve finally got nice weather and half a semester is coming up, but we’ve now chosen this time to start some major work.

“Surely earlier in the year would have been a better option?”

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As reported by The Press, Marie Milburn, director of Manneti’s, said the council has not contacted the cafe about the closure or the support it has offered.

David said: “If companies also say they haven’t been contacted or kept up to date on the work, that’s not good enough either. How then should we act under these conditions?”

The work in progress in Lendal (Image: Dylan Connell)

He added: “Businesses in York have had a terrible couple of years. It has been so difficult to turn a profit and many have already made the terribly difficult decision to close.

“The last thing we need is another problem for companies to deal with.”

David said he’s asked for a timeframe for when major work will be done in the city so dealers can plan accordingly.

“We need as many visitors as possible to our many unique and beautiful companies. For my part, I’ll be visiting places like Mannetti’s more often in the future,” he said.

“I urge residents and visitors alike to look around IndieYork to find your local independent businesses.

“In these trying times, even a follower on social media or a supportive comment could help many businesses and give owners a boost.

“We need to spread the word about how many great, eclectic businesses we are so fortunate to have in York.”