AS the debate over the proposed Coppergate Riverside development rages on, many question the wisdom of building new shops when, it is claimed, there are more than 50 commercial properties to let in York city centre.

A leaflet has been sent to the Evening Press and also been circulated at a recent meeting of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce listing the empty shops. Roland Harris, chief executive of the chamber, said: "I have no reason to suppose this is not an accurate assessment."

Adam Sinclair, chairman of the retail committee of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "There's a significant amount of available property in York. There are all the unlet shops, there's the Burton Group unit at the top of Coppergate I, C&A has still not been resolved and there is the new Stonegate Walk development which has four large units in it.

"So to say there are no available properties for incoming retailers is unrealistic, and whilst I accept there is some demand for retailing in York, I think there isn't as much demand as some people would like us to believe."

Mr Sinclair's concerns have been echoed by a large number of Evening Press readers who have commented on the abundance of empty shops in the city centre on coupons sent in to the Evening Press. Mr G McDermott, of Bradley Lane, Rufforth, York, said: "There are enough empty shops in York. Why turn the rest of the city centre into a concrete jungle."

W A Crosby, of Foxwood Lane, York, said: "I think the shops that are already empty should be filled before they develop any other bits." E Milnes, of Holmes Drive, Riccall, agreed.

D Williamson, of Green Lane, Clifton, said: "York has enough empty shops in the centre. Improve one side, leave the tower alone."

Richard Akers, assistant director of Land Securities, which is proposing the £60 million redevelopment scheme of shops and restaurants, said: "Research has shown there is demand for space in York from more than 75 retailers who are not already represented in the city. The fact that there are vacant units in York would suggest that these premises are not suitable for the prospective tenants for a variety of reasons - otherwise they would have been taken.

"Retailers are generally looking for larger units in preferred locations and the Coppergate Riverside scheme will be able to satisfy some of these demands."

Meanwhile, strongly worded comments from Evening Press readers both for and against the plans continue to flood into our offices.

More views on Coppergate II

"The development should include at least one pub for nightlife, not just shops."- Mr A Fenech, Lumley Road, York

"Excellent improvement." - AP Watson, Norton, Malton

"The area is at present an eyesore. The centre must be kept alive for residents, not just for the tourists." - Mr RJ Tuppen, Sawyer's Walk, Dunnington

"Establish a Diana Princess of Wales playground with a fountain feature." - D Hughes, Elm Park Way, Stockton Lane, York

"How many more restaurants, cafs and coffee bars do we need. York is awash with them already." - V Chapman, Clementhorpe

"What the city needs is seats and the Piccadilly side developed with trees to make it look attractive." - Mrs S Pattison, Bramham Grove, York

"We need a bus station in York. I wouldn't know where to tell people to go for most buses. Why not in this place?" - Ernest Astley, Springbank Avenue, Dunnington

"Piccadilly should be built up but Clifford's Tower side of the river left as open space." - Mrs K Holder, Leeman Road, York

"If we want Meadowhall shops that's where we can easily go. Tourists want York style shops and atmosphere - that's why they come." - Beryl Varlow, Greenshaw Drive, Haxby

"It will move trade from the city centre which is already suffering badly with empty shops. The area around the castle should be open space and gardens." - Ms L Coughlin, Stockton Lane, York

"A park would be great instead of more shops and a band stand and seating for people to relax after shopping in the many shops." -- Mrs J Baker, Acaster Lane, Bishopthorpe

"The area requires redevelopment for leisure use, shops in the city centre will be left empty to create eyesores again." - J and B Rollinson, New Lane, Huntington

PICTURE: An artist's impression of part of the proposed Coppergate II development, along the River Foss