Opinion divided on Coppergate II

Coupons asking readers to give their verdicts on Land Securities' £60 million scheme are continuing to arrive at our offices at the rate of one every 15 minutes, and more than 600 have now been received.

And still the debate rages over the merits - or otherwise - of the project to redevelop the site between Clifford's Tower and Piccadilly with shops and restaurants.

A very popular argument by those against the scheme is that the Castle Car Park land at the foot of the tower should be grassed over to create some form of gardens or parkland.

Mary Knowles, of Easingwold, was typical when she said: "Clifford's Tower should be a green field site for residents and tourists to enjoy."

A similar argument was put by Geoffrey and Dorothea Whitehead, of Upper Poppleton, who wrote: "We feel this area should be designated as a rest area, a green park, the only other one in the city being the Museum Gardens."

A common argument put by supporters of the proposal is that it is vital to the future prosperity of the city centre.

"As a regular visitor to York I believe that without further varied retail development it will lag behind other regional cities," said J D Greenwood, of Harrogate.

Mrs E Carrick, of Ingleton Walk, York, said: "It should go ahead providing the choice of shops are quality and not all gimmicky and fast food outlets to pollute the area around Clifford's Tower."

Another supporter, Mr J H Palfery, of Strensall, argued: "It would increase visitor numbers and profits for the Castle Museum, Clifford's Tower and river boats. It's an opportunity to increase York's heritage by almost certain further Roman finds when excavating and would create a unique riverside blend of new with old."

But there was strong condemnation of the scheme from other readers.

"York is known for its history and beauty, to put modern shops so close to Clifford's Tower is sacrilege," said Mrs B Jones, of Heworth Green, York.

"It seems to me that the whole half-baked scheme is a money-making deal for a cash strapped council!" said M N Sawyer, of Marsh Lane, Bolton Percy.

More comments on Coppergate II

"Visitors to York come to see our beautiful historic city, the shops built would be exactly the same as shops in any town or city in England - we don't need them." - C N Douglas, Fulford.

"The Foss Bank area near Clifford's Tower should be laid out as a park and the opposite bank should be a riverside walk, perhaps with housing and a car park near the Travel Lodge, but no more than three-storeys high." - Arthur Rosewarne, Fulford.

"The area should be improved but with something we would be proud to leave our grandchildren, not a twenty-first century Stonebow." - M R Rogers, Everingham.

"When will the non-business people that sit on the councils ever learn?" - H Laux, Driffield.

"Redevelopment is needed but the present plan is totally unworthy of the City of York. Please heed the wisdom of the city's elders John Shannon and Professor Nuttgens." - Mrs M L Dobson, Clifton, York.

"Coppergate and the river area needs improving but as a recreational facility with low density housing." - Anne Smith, Easingwold.

"This would reduce York's importance as a small city with major historic heritage as its attraction." - M Phythian, Monkton Road, York.

"In my opinion the proposed new shops would consist of another collection of the multiples one meets in every town. Let us keep York individual." - Mrs N Jones, Burnholme.

"I feel it will improve York's image if it is developed to fit in with the city's wonderful architecture." -

Eric Dalton, Wheldrake.

"Some such development is essential, but this is too large." - Reg Parr, Fieldings Barn, Newton-on-Ouse.

"A pleasant landscaped open area, while not directly making money, would be an ever-lasting asset." - Mr Screeton, Barmby Ave, Fulford.

"If the buildings have good architectural appearance this shouldn't create an eyesore." - Petra Gibbs, Nunthorpe Road, York.

PICTURE: An artist's impression of part of the Coppergate II scheme