YORK'S Coppergate Riverside scheme has come under attack from an American museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Jewish people.

Vikki Helperin, of the Skirball Museum in Los Angeles, says she fears that the historic importance of Clifford's Tower - where a terrible Jewish massacre took place in 1190 - could be buried and forgotten amidst the crowding of shops and "indifferent" shoppers.

"Wouldn't it be more fitting that a park be built surrounding the Tower, so that York residents and tourists might be able to visit the site and contemplate the historicity of the structure in the context of modern society's values?" she asks in a letter to tonight's Evening Press.

"It is, after all, a national treasure, one that York must accord the dignity it deserves. A park for everyone would be the most appropriate choice in every way, a superb legacy for future generations."

Richard Akers, assistant director of Land Securities, developers behind the £60 million scheme to re-develop the land between the tower and Piccadilly, said: "We have been in detailed discussions with English Heritage regarding the relationship of Clifford's Tower to the proposed Coppergate Riverside development.

"It is our belief that the scheme enhances the setting of this Grade I listed monument, by replacing the current car park with new open public space at its base. We hope that by attracting a greater number of people into the castle area the tower will benefit through an increase in visitors, who will learn for themselves about the tower's history."

Meanwhile, readers continue to bombard the paper with comments for and against the Coppergate Riverside development in response to our coupon survey of opinion.

One opponent wrote: "The beautiful city of York would be enhanced by a lovely park area around the Tower. Shops would be an eyesore."

Another person voting against the scheme said: "For a lovely city like York the design of this development is unworthy."

But there was strong message of support from another reader, who said: "Those who argue for open grass or paved areas forget that such areas attract the wrong people such as drunks and drug addicts."

Another supporter said: "It would be a step forward, reflecting the success of other cities in the UK who have been bold enough to move on."

Strong words of support came from another who said: "The older generation would be happy to see York suffocate and become the biggest museum in the world. I don't want York to become a 'side show' that people pass through on the way to Leeds!"

But a critic claimed: "It would create new jobs for some but lose jobs for others. Overall employment would stay the same."

Another concluded: "York city centre has to retain its links with the past, as these features are the main attraction for visitors. York should not be allowed to become an urban mess."