PROTESTERS gathered at Clifford's Tower today - next to the site of the proposed Coppergate Riverside development.

The demonstration, organised by the Castle Area Campaign Group and York Tomorrow, aimed to show the strength of feeling against the proposed scheme.

Coppergate Riverside, which was given the go-ahead by City of York Council and then called in by the Secretary of State for the Environment, would include a new department store, dozens of new retail units and new bridges over the River Foss.

Some of the shops would be on part of the Castle car park, next to Clifford's Tower.

It is now due to go to a public inquiry in January.

Gordon Campbell-Thomas, spokesman for Castle Area group, said that to allow the development to go ahead would be a "travesty of justice" and he wanted to keep the issue alive.

He said: "We have a beautiful historic city here and it's crucial that we keep it this way for future generations.

But Richard Akers, portfolio director for Land Securities, which is behind the redevelopment plans, said: "Having gone through a very detailed public consultation; having won the overwhelming support of City of York Council planning committee and having gained the crucial support of English Heritage - custodians of Clifford's Tower - we are convinced that Coppergate Riverside will add significantly to York's future prosperity, without detracting from the richness of its past."

Updated: 12:49 Saturday, September 22, 2001