WITH so much of York's visible past disappearing, we are pleased to note city planning officers' desire to retain the famous Stubbs painted poster.

This is a signpost to the recent past when every other York business was a family firm.

Only the most short-sighted entrepreneur would fail to see that it is also a landmark which can only attract attention to the new eating place.

The other prominent wall advertisement surviving in York promotes the laxative quality of Bile Beans.

Perhaps that would not work quite so well for a restaurant.

Updated: 09:40 Friday, July 02, 2004