THE Coppergate Riverside scheme in York has been branded "civic vandalism" by the former press secretary and right-hand man to Baroness Thatcher.

Sir Bernard Ingham, a man renowned for pulling no punches both during his time at Number 10 and afterwards, has added his considerable weight to the campaign against the major redevelopment proposals.

In a book on Yorkshire Castles, he calls for the inspector at the public inquiry to "turn down the application flat" and describes the development as "a remarkable example of civic vandalism".

Gordon Campbell-Thomas, of the Castle Area Campaign, said it would be calling on Sir Bernard to speak at a forthcoming public inquiry.

Due to previous engagements, the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, will not be available to speak, but a letter is to be read out instead.

Mr Campbell-Thomas said: "We are glad another voice has been added to the thousands who have already spoken out against 'Coppergate II'. Coppergate is the modern version of Stonebow, and we all know what an eyesore that is for the city."

Richard Akers, portfolio director at Land Securities, said: "Sir Bernard is entitled to his views.

"However, he is crucially at odds with English Heritage, the custodians of Clifford's Tower, who support the Coppergate Riverside Development.

"One questions how closely Sir Bernard has studied our plans, and we certainly did not see him at the public exhibition."

Updated: 11:03 Wednesday, December 12, 2001