A FURIOUS York trader says he would rather be arrested than give in to council chiefs in a row over signs and lighting outside his shop.

Nigel Walker, who runs the Fruit Tree, in Goodramgate, has been threatened with criminal action after refusing to fully comply with City of York Council planning enforcers.

They informed him before Christmas that he must remove several shop signs, ice cream flags and light fittings from his frontage, as they were considered out of character for the street.

But Mr Walker claims that council officers erected an electrical box and Christmas light fittings on the front of his shop without his permission.

"I don't see why I should take my signs down until they take their fittings down," he said.

"It's the principle, because it seems to be one rule for them and one rule for the rest of us. I've taken down the flags and a sign but I'm leaving the rest up until they do something. I'm prepared to get arrested over this."

Mike Slater, the council's assistant director, planning and sustainable development, said they wanted to meet Mr Walker to reach a compromise.

"We're very aware of striking a balance between the need to preserve the unique architecture and beauty of York with the needs of local businesses," he said.

"The council is certainly not opposed to shop signs per se, but we do need to work together with businesses to achieve something which fits in with the character of the city."

But Mr Walker, whose family has owned the premises for more than 100 years, said he was unwilling to meet officers, claiming they will serve him with a caution.

Updated: 10:35 Saturday, March 29, 2003