LAND Securities has dismissed claims that its Coppergate Riverside scheme would involve fast food outlets near historic Clifford's Tower.

The company behind the £60 million plan to extend the Coppergate Centre has also assured Evening Press readers that there will not be any pile-driving in the car park near the tower.

Assistant director Richard Akers wrote to the paper to respond to "factually incorrect claims" from readers in their letters about the proposed redevelopment of the land between the tower and Piccadilly.

He said: "I would like to assure your readers of the following: it is not our intention to locate fast food outlets in any of the units facing onto Clifford's Tower, though there will be provision for high quality restaurants as part of the mixed use development.

"Should planning permission be granted, the construction programme will not involve any pile driving on the car park site.

"Piles will be bored - a process which ensures that there is no damage to adjacent buildings, while minimising both noise and vibration." Meanwhile, scores of coupons about the Coppergate scheme are continuing to come in to our offices every day from readers.

Mr and Mrs D Elmer, of Dunnington, are against the scheme, saying: "York should not try to compete with Leeds or Sheffield. Piccadilly should be redeveloped with low cost housing. The area around Clifford's Tower should be made into a park."

J Wells, of Wheldrake, agreed, arguing: "The area now the car park near Clifford's Tower should not have any buildings on but be landscaped. Too many shops proposed when there are a lot of empty ones."

But a supporter, Ged Metcalfe of Naburn, said: "There are people who, had they been in charge since the beginning of time, would have us still living in caves... People are more important than wildlife."

The message from P R Stabler, of Skeldergate, York, was simple. He felt the scheme was simply "over-powering."

Mr J Good, of The Paddock, York, was equally forthright. "Develop Piccadilly - Yes! Yes! Yes! Build on Clifford's Tower car park - No! No! No!."

PICTURE: Richard Akers: assurance