A petition against the redevelopment of Clifford’s Tower has hit 3,000 signatures ahead of a protest rally.
By 5pm on Saturday (November 5) the number of names on the petition to Stop English Heritage Making Clifford’s Tower Look Like Disneyland! had reached 3,120.
On Sunday (November 6) a rally is being held outside the castle to demonstrate against the decision to build a visitor’s centre and add a timber decking roof at the ancient monument.
Independent councillor Johnny Hayes is fighting against the plan and said: “There are strong indications that the turn out will be high at the protest.”
‘Spoiling York’s heritage’
Meanwhile York Central MP Rachael Maskell has called for the plans to be halted because they will “spoil the heritage of York for future generations”.
Councillors voted by 11 to three last week in favour of adding a timber decking roof and a new visitors centre to the landmark.
Rachael Maskell said: “When people across York speak and voice their objections, it is vital that they are listened to. The views of York residents should not be ignored because the city belongs to them.”
She has urged for crucial talks to resolve the dispute by writing to the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid and the Culture Secretary Karen Bradley.
She has also contacted English Heritage calling for them to take a pragmatic approach the issue saying:
We cannot lose important aspects of this site and spoil the heritage of York for future generations. I have called on all parties to unite to resolve this matter, and have offered to meet with them.