CAN you spot the difference?In one picture, above, a couple and a friend are punted down the River Foss, with the magnificent Clifford's Tower in the background.

The picture was created by a group of entrepreneurs, including Gordon Bell, who want to set up York City Punting to provide chauffeured and private hire punts on York's second river.

In the other image, below, the same foreground of punters has a very different background. The view of the tower is obscured by a new bridge over the Foss and new shops behind it, both part of the proposed Coppergate Riverside scheme.

The second image has been drawn up by Philip Crowe, a leading opponent of Land Securities' £60 million project to re-develop land between the tower and the Foss.

Mr Crowe, chairman of the campaign group York Tomorrow, said: "What a delight it would be to have idyllic boat trips along a rejuvenated River Foss, as illustrated recently by Gordon Bell and his team.

"However, if the city council and Land Securities get their way, the reality would be rather different. Is this what the citizens of York really want?"

Mr Bell said that latest details of the punting proposals could be viewed on the website www.puntinginyork.com

A planning inspector is currently considering whether or not to recommend the Government to approve Land Securities' controversial scheme, following a lengthy public inquiry earlier this year. The decision is not expected until 2003.

Bob De Barr, development director of Land Securities, said the Coppergate Riverside scheme would enable more people to enjoy the River Foss by opening up access to it through the creation of new riverside walkways and separate bridges for pedestrians and cyclists.

Within the scheme, there is also provision for a boat landing stage, that could be readily used by people in punts and other river craft.

"As our plans are designed to open up this canalised section of the river and transform it into a vibrant and attractive location, it seems a little mischievous to suggest that Coppergate Riverside would detract from enjoyment of the Foss.We welcome the idea of punting on the Foss and, indeed, any other initiatives for recreational use of the river."

Updated: 11:12 Saturday, October 19, 2002