PLANS to make York's "hidden gem" more accessible to the public have been rubberstamped by senior city councillors.

But leading Liberal Democrats have pledged to monitor moves to open the Mansion House to visitors.

Councillor Ann Reid said the council should make sure the Lord Mayor's grand home is accessible for special events - but that it remains unique.

Council leader Steve Galloway told yesterday's executive meeting: "It's very important that we make it more accessible, but it's a very fragile building."

He promised to review everything, from cleaning to breakages, at the historic home.

The plans, which include increasing public access and tours and increasing the number of money-spinning corporate functions, will be reviewed in a year by the ruling executive, who accepted recommendations from an advisory group.

Updated: 10:16 Wednesday, November 10, 2004