NO OTHER local issue has recently exercised readers of this newspaper as much as the future of York's Coppergate Centre.

Letters have poured in covering all sides of this issue, though it has to be said most correspondents have been against the £60 million extension proposed by Land Securities.

In an attempt to further the debate on what should happen to this important corner of York, this newspaper carried out two surveys. In one we sought the views of shoppers out on the street, in the other we consulted our readers.

The results of these exercises will not comfort York's planners, for the two surveys came up with sharply divergent results. Put simply, shoppers love the idea of Coppergate II while readers are hostile to the proposal.

Land Securities draws comfort from our marketing survey, believing that the shoppers' poll was more accurate than the Evening Press poll, which, the developers say, was bound to attract opponents.

Well, yes. There may well be truth in what Land Securities say. Yet the clashing verdicts from these two surveys illustrate the problems facing York planners, who can only sit back this afternoon and wonder what to do next. For opinion remains as deeply divided as ever, with those who would love more shops facing up to those who believe an historic monument such as Clifford's Tower deserves better.

Many of those who are against the proposals say this area should be turned into an open space. While such a suggestion is attractive, it is difficult to see who would pay for a new park.

What remains certain is that the area abutting Clifford's Tower is a mess at present and has been so for years. A massive new shopping centre may be one way forward, but with local opinion so sharply divided any development will have to be carefully tailored to suit the particular needs of York.

If Land Securities is turned down, the company might well decide to give up and try elsewhere, probably leaving the present tatty arrangement for many years to come. We asked for opinions and opinions were freely given. But the results were inconclusive and now York's planners need to consider their next move very carefully.