BETTER barriers should be put up at Walmgate Bar to improve the appearance of the historic structure, civic trust chiefs said today.

Peter Brown, of York Civic Trust, called for the removal of the plastic barrier which he says is harming the appearance of the medieval gateway.

Mr Brown also hit out at thieves who have stolen a plaque which details the monument's place in city history.

The central arch at the historic bar was closed in November to protect it from damage by high vans and lorries.

In recent years, a number of vehicles have become lodged under the historic 12th century monument - causing thousands of pounds of damage.

A 12-month experimental order stopped traffic from travelling under the bar, and diverted them via the two lanes alongside it, which were previously used by traffic heading out of the city centre.

But the plastic barrier and temporary signs which have been used to warn of the temporary order have been criticised by the trust, which aims to protect York's historic buildings.

Mr Brown said: "This was a temporary order, but they might have got a little better barrier to put in place. It does look fairly insensitive.

"The actual scheme seems to be working OK and, as a trust, we are pleased that the bar is being protected.

"I am sure there must be a more sensitive barrier, more aesthetically pleasing, that can be put in place there."

Mr Brown also appealed to whoever had taken the plaque to return it to civic trust officials at Fairfax House.

Philip Thake, who has an interest in York conservation matters, said: "It is appalling that anyone could do that (steal the plaque). Nothing is sacred."

He argued that vans and trucks should be banned from using the bar, but cars and bikes should be allowed to resume travelling through it.

"This would be preferable to a big, untidy barrier," he said.

A City of York Council spokesman said: "This is an experiment at the moment and it will be reporting to the relevant committee on February 2, 2005. That will be the crucial date.

"As it is currently an experiment. The measures are temporary and will be in place until that date. If it becomes a permanent measure, then we would have a totally different signage method."

Updated: 09:58 Tuesday, December 21, 2004