YOU could be mistaken for thinking this tranquil river scene was in Venice.

But it depicts York's Foss Bridge, a photographer's delight, in February, 1979, with the white York Motor Exchange building in the background.

York folk and visitors alike now know it as the Blue Bicycle restaurant.

In total contrast, our next image depicts work in progress on the ugly concrete footbridge, which crosses the railway lines at Grosvenor Terrace.

It replaced the old "glass bridge" in February, 1962.

The Castle Mills Bridge, near the Castle Museum, is seen here under reconstruction, in September, 1954.

The picture was taken from the top of the Debtors' Prison.

Meanwhile, is this picture of Lendal Bridge in 1960 how the Green Party would like to see York in future - packed with cyclists and buses but with barely a car in sight?

The next image of Lendal Bridge, taken in 1963, could hardly be more different.

Far from being a hive of tourist activity York looks like a ghost town, with only two people braving the elements.

Updated: 11:02 Friday, June 13, 2003