THE people of York today spoke out passionately for and against the Coppergate Riverside scheme.

As the public inquiry into Land Securities' £60 million redevelopment proposal entered its seventh week, objectors and supporters had a chance to say their piece.

Tim Tozer said he had reacted with shock and disbelief when he had seen what was being suggested for the land between Clifford's Tower and Piccadilly. He could not believe that City of York Council should be supporting such a scheme.

He said Clifford's Tower was one of the premier historic sites in the United Kingdom, and was of international significance.

"We have an opportunity for something of the highest calibre. Instead we have a 1990s-style shopping mall... it belongs to the Luton airport, fire station, school of architecture."

Brian Watson, a Labour councillor for Guildhall ward, said he was speaking as a York resident with the welfare of the city at his heart.

"As a York resident, my objections are based on my fear of what effect the developments will have on the city and this particular area's architectural standing world-wide, besides the viability of a city worth shopping in."

"Our city is not some consultants' and developers' toy for them to play about with," he said, urging the Secretary of State to refuse the application and help preserve York's world-wide reputation as the English city to visit.

Solicitor John Yeomans spoke in favour of the proposed shops, apartments and restaurant scheme.

"York needs to extend it's retail offer if it is to continue to be competitive and prosper as a city," he said.

He said nothing would detract from the pull of the city's historic core. "The historic core has nothing to fear."

He also dismissed fears about the impact on Clifford's Tower.

The tower had lived with everything for a long time, including a "dreadfully dreary" car park. "I don't see a problem," he said.

Henry Taylor, a resident of Durham, and a member of York Civic Trust for more than 40 years, spoke out about the impact on the tower.

"I come now as a Jeremiah to try and save York from this proposal, so far as it affects Clifford's Tower...

"Clifford's Tower deserves better than to preside over loading bays and the car park for commercial premises. They ought to stay on the other side of the River Foss."

The inquiry continues.

Updated: 15:09 Tuesday, May 28, 2002