MORE than a hundred chanting demonstrators marched through the centre of York today in an effort to stop the controversial Coppergate Riverside shopping centre scheme.

Shouting "Our city is not for sale", the protesters assembled in Exhibition Square under the statue of city forefather William Etty before advancing through the streets to a rally at Clifford's Tower.

The marchers - some dressed in medieval costumes and carrying horns, trombones, drums and even a violin - were calling on Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to hold a public inquiry into Land Securities' £60 million "Shoppergate" development under the tower, which has been conditionally approved by City of York Council.

Mr Prescott's department, Environment, Transport and the Regions, is still deciding whether to call in the application for a public inquiry.

Banners borne by protesters carried messages such as "People Before Profit", "Save Our Heritage" and "City Walls not S**tty malls".

Frank Ormston, from the Castle Area Campaign Group, organising today's protest, said: "I think today's demonstration shows the depth of feeling of people in York against the proposals.

"The council is putting the interests of big business before the interests of the people of York.

"It's shameful that they think Land Securities' profits are more important than providing a decent environment for the people of the city and visitors."

York University archaeology student Stella Jackson, dressed in medieval costume to signify the historic value of the castle site, left a copy of a 5,000-signature protest petition on the steps of the Mansion House as the march passed.

Another march organiser Stuart Wilson said: "We are coming from all sorts of different angles and age groups, and everybody has got an opinion. But we have all got one common aim: we do not want to see development on the area around Clifford's Tower."

The campaign group has vowed to keep up pressure against the plan whether or not an inquiry is held.