BARONESS Thatcher's right-hand man has thrown his weight behind the campaign to block Coppergate Riverside.

The former Downing Street press secretary, renowned for pulling no punches during his time at Number 10, took the stand today at the inquiry into the £60 million scheme.

He said he was told about it after filming a BBC programme from Clifford's Tower.

"I thought 'Ye gods, the Philistines are at it again!'," he said.

Mr Ingham, who is also writing a book about castles, was contacted by the Castle Area Campaign, who are opposed to the Land Securities scheme to develop land between Clifford's Tower and Piccadilly.

He said: "Clifford's Tower has survived fire, floods, flogging of stone for profit and approaches of people who want to exploit the site.

"It's a place where people can commune with the past and get some idea of York."

He said his support was for York Tomorrow's application to turn land in the shadow of the tower into open park land.

"I do not like the existing car park," he said.

"I would much prefer the whole area as a park, hence my support for York Tomorrow, although I admit it is not so lucrative to City of York Council and the rate payers."

Mr Ingham was speaking as an individual, although he made no secret of his support for the Castle Area Campaign.

But media attention attracted by his appearance at the inquiry was criticised by Land Securities.

David Mole, barrister for the developers, said: "The attention would give the impression to the world that his evidence is being treated in a way which is somehow special." His contribution was also opposed by some environmental campaigners, who objected to his Conservative views.

"We think that Gordon Campbell-Thomas and Stuart Wilson (of the Castle Area Campaign) have been grossly naive in inviting Ingham to act as some kind of champion on what is largely an environmental issue," said an anonymous green campaigner.

The public inquiry continues.

Updated: 14:30 Thursday, January 31, 2002