YORK council is backing out of a Clifford’s Tower land deal - but heritage bosses could join forces with a neighbouring museum on plans for the area.

York Museums Trust (YMT) - which runs the Castle Museum - is in talks with English Heritage about its visitor centre plans.

Last month, English Heritage announced it was scrapping a controversial plan to build a new visitors’ centre into the base of the motte at the tower.

On Tuesday, YMT bosses are due to talk to city councillors about their work, including plans for a major redevelopment at Castle Gateway. A report prepared for that meeting reveals they want to “create a more joined up offer” with the neighbouring Clifford’s Tower.

YMT chief executive Reyahn King said: “We are in the earliest stages of discussions with English Heritage to ensure that together we offer visitors the best experience of visiting the York Castle area.

“These discussions will be central to our plans for the major development of York Castle Museum which will be an integral part of the Castle Gateway Project.”

Public consultation will start soon and bosses want to hear from local people and visitors about what they want for the area, Ms King added.

Andrea Selley, English Heritage’s Director for the North of England, said despite the visitors’ centre decision, there was still a commitment to “doing justice to the site”.

She added: “The Castle Gateway Project will provide opportunities for us to work closer together with the York Museums Trust, and others, on ensuring that our visitors have the best possible visit to both Clifford’s Tower and the Castle Museum.”

Later in the week, senior councillors will decide on a land deal with English Heritage. The council had been due to lease some land around the Clifford’s Tower to English Heritage, for space to build the new visitors’ centre.

Council officials want to scrap leases for the building and a new plaza, but to go ahead with a temporary deal for a construction compound English Heritage needs to do repairs and maintenance on the tower.