York shops clash

York Chamber of Trade - fiercely opposed to Land Securities' £60 million redevelopment plan because of concerns about the impact on the city centre's historic core - claimed the rival York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce had now withdrawn its support as well.

Chamber of Trade chairman Adam Sinclair alleged the other chamber had been split and riven by infighting on the Coppergate issue, but said he had been told by directors that it had now stopped backing the scheme and was, instead, supporting the rival Castle Quarter proposals.

Under fierce cross-examination by counsel for City of York Council, he also referred to the "resignation" of Roland Harris as chief executive of the Commerce Chamber, saying: "You can make of that what you will."

But the Chamber of Commerce's new chief executive, Len Cruddas, told the Evening Press it had not withdrawn its original support, although it was also backing the alternative Castle Quarter idea, which envisages a large area of public open space in front of Clifford's Tower.

"We have not as yet had a debate about whether we have a preference between the two."

He admitted there were disagreements between members, "as happens in democratic organisations," and said Mr Harris had retired rather than resigned from his post.

Meanwhile, the inquiry was told that major retailer JJB Sports was not, after all, opposing the scheme.

The company's property director, B J K Dunn, said in a letter that the firm had signed a petition of objection in error, because its manager had been told by the Chamber of Trade that it would be damaging for York.

He said York needed additional retail floorspace which could not be accommodated in the existing historic core. It supported the scheme in principle, and considered it would add further to York's attractions as a retail destination.

The inquiry continues next Tuesday.

Updated: 08:23 Monday, May 27, 2002