Landscaping to improve one of the most historic parts of York has become an accident-prone eyesore, according to a city councillor.

Brian Watson, Guildhall Ward representative on City of York Council, claims the plaque in front of Clifford's Tower has been fenced off since a pedestrian fell down a stepped section of pavement.

He said he had warned the Millennium Bridge Trust, which is responsible for the landscaping, of the danger of the steps in May. He said it was not clear why the steps were there, and they were a serious risk particularly to the partially-sighted.

He said: "I have been told that somebody fell off the step and I think they broke their ankle. Straight after that, this fencing went up around the plaque.

"I think it's been there since June and it is very untidy. It spoils one of the most scenic parts of York."

He had contacted the trust in May to voice his concerns, and asked it to make it clear that a step was there.

"They said they wouldn't because it was such a nice job that they didn't want to spoil the effect of it, but what they have now doesn't even look neat or tidy," said Coun Watson.

"I don't know how long this fence is going to stay there. It needs a permanent little fence building to stop people falling down."

Paul Chesmore, director of the trust, said: "I am not aware of anybody having an accident there, but we felt it could be better and that's why we fenced it off.

"The fencing is there while we agree with the landscape architects and the council the minor improvements we want to make.

"We are looking at a number of possibilities, but it is a sensitive area architecturally and we have to take people's opinions into account. Obviously, we want to take the fencing down as quickly as possible."

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk