YORK Central MP Rachael Maskell has held a series of meetings with businesses across the city over the parliamentary summer recess.
The MP has also worked to bring agencies together so that challenges from retail crime to business finances can be advanced both locally and with the Government.
As part of this work Ms Maskell held a public meeting for York businesses to discuss what is working well and the challenges they are currently facing.
The meeting was also joined by North Yorkshire Police, The British Retail Consortium, Make It York, York BID, Indie York and the York High Street Forum.
The main issues raised in last week’s meeting were: retail crime reporting and prevention; anti-social behaviour; access to toilets in the city, car-parking, Business Rates, promoting a family-friendly city and events such as the Christmas market.
Ms Maskell says she will be advancing all the issues discussed and reporting back to the business community at a follow up meeting.
The MP said: “There are many things we do extremely well in the city. It is a beautiful place to live, work and visit.
“However, we also know that the very businesses that work so hard to make York the great place it is do experience challenges.
“Through the meetings I have held over summer I wanted to create a space where suggestions could be brought forward so that improvements can be made for all.
“One of the main issues discussed in the meeting was retail crime and antisocial behaviour.
“The police have put extra resources into this and are seeing positive results, but more can always be done, and I will be working with North Yorkshire Police and the City of York Council to advance the issues raised.
“The other main topics were ensuring the city has a real family friendly feel with more play space, has accessible public transport and business rates.”
Ms Maskell added: “I will certainly be raising all the issues discussed with local and central government and look forward to meeting with the business community again in the near future.
“This work is on going, so if you are a business in the city that have suggestions for improvements but couldn’t make the event, please do get in touch with my office.”
This article was published by York Press