PROTESTERS gathered in York to oppose the multi-million pound Coppergate Riverside proposals, just before the start of a major inquiry into the plans.

Members of the Castle Area Campaign, York Tomorrow, York Civic Trust and York Chamber of Trade met in Exhibition Square yesterday.

The Government inquiry, which begins tomorrow, and is expected to last three weeks and cost the York taxpayer £110,000, has come after a decade of heated debate about the land in Piccadilly and surrounding Clifford's Tower.

The £60 million scheme from Land Securities to transform the area into 250,000 square feet of retail space, restaurants, offices, flats, leisure facilities and a multi-storey car park, got the go-ahead from the City of York Council last November.

But this inquiry is set to reconsider all sides of the argument - including the opposition.

Dave Dee, who has been supporting the Castle Area Campaign and owns the Banana Warehouse in Piccadilly, said the group wanted the alternative of parkland around Clifford's Tower - but did want the redevelopment of the "run-down" Piccadilly.

"We want green open space and are pleased that we will be getting a fair and accurate hearing at the inquiry.

"Yes, Piccadilly needs redevelopment, but I would rather burn myself at the stake than see shops around Clifford's Tower."

Yesterday's gathering was held by the statue of artist William Etty, who championed the cause of halting the demolition of the city walls and gateways in 1835.

Adam Sinclair, representing York Chamber of Trade, said: "We are here to promote debate and we are opposed to what the council has agreed to. We would like to see Piccadilly being redeveloped, but not the Clifford's Tower area."

Stuart Wilson, also representing the Castle Area Campaign, said: "We are looking forward to getting our views finally heard.

"Get on with Piccadilly but leave the historic area alone."

Arnold Coates, born and brought up in York, but now living in London, made a special trip to show his support for the campaign.

"This proposal cannot go ahead in its current form.

"It's like selling the family silver and will change the face of historic York."

Representatives of Friends of Riverside, who back the new development, were not at the meeting.

Land Securities said it was confident that its proposals were right for York.

The company's portfolio director, Richard Akers said: "Over the past year there has been a lot of mis-information spread and muddying of the waters by opponents of our plans, but we remain sure in our approach and confident that during the course of the inquiry planning inspector will be able to gather all of the facts that he needs to reach a fair decision."

Updated: 11:54 Monday, January 14, 2002