MORE than 70 people have vowed to throw themselves into a last-ditch battle over York's Barbican Centre.

Angry centre users and local residents unanimously demanded a public inquiry into City of York Council's plans to sell off and redevelop the site.

The protesters were attending a public meeting held at the centre last night to formally launch a Save Our Barbican campaign group. They pledged to:

Organise a petition and letter-writing campaign

Stage a march through the streets of York

Publish leaflets and set up a campaign group website.

The meeting heard that proposals to build a hotel, apartments, casino, community swimming pool and bars and restaurants on the Barbican site were due to be considered by council planners this spring.

But the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, could call it in and hold a public inquiry if there were sufficient protests.

People complained bitterly at the loss of a range of sporting facilities from the site, at a time when people are being encouraged to become fitter and healthier. A student said the proposals would have a big impact on students and staff at the university, who used the centre heavily, and said she would rally support for the campaign on campus.

There was also concern at the impact on disabled and handicapped people who used the centre and at the loss of accessibility caused by a cut in the number of parking spaces, which would particularly affect young and old people.

People claimed that residents had not been consulted properly over the proposals, with some said to be unaware still that the centre was due to close at the end of May.

One man claimed the authority, encouraged by the Government, was attempting to tackle its financial problems by selling off its "crown jewels".

Meeting chairman John Issitt said: "Once it's gone, it's gone. This is blind stupidity. To sell off this precious asset does not serve the people of York."

Gordon Campbell-Thomas spoke of how an organised campaign by the people of York against the Coppergate Riverside development had succeeded in the face of the council and developers, and said the same could happen over the Barbican scheme if a big enough fight was mounted.

Protesters agreed to stage another public meeting at the centre at 7.30 pm next Tuesday.

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, February 18, 2004