SHOPKEEPERS have come up with suggestions to help a city raise money so parking charges can be cut.

Retailers David Cox and Simon Evans, who are leading campaigners against controversial new charges and restrictions, said they have had had a "useful and frank exchange of views and ideas" with City of York Council leader Steve Galloway and the executive member for planning and transport, Ann Reid.

They used the two-hour meeting to reiterate their requests, which include a reduction in parking charges to 1999/2000 levels, the elimination of evening charges and parking meters and the removal of new yellow lines.

Their ideas included:

* Changes to trade waste collection to increase recycling and save the council money.

* Charging business rates on unoccupied premises, which would also help eliminate empty eyesore empty shops.

* Applying for lottery funding for city centre projects, such as Christmas decorations.

* Investigating expanding and improving the Parliament Street toilets, with a 25p charge levied for use.