YP Comment: The Battle of Clifford's Tower

HISTORIC battles at Clifford's Tower, the largest remaining part of York Castle, are nothing compared to the current conflict about English Heritage's plan '“ endorsed by local councillors '“ to build a controversial concrete and glass visitor centre and souvenir shop '¨at its foot.
Picture by Gerard Binks.Picture by Gerard Binks.
Picture by Gerard Binks.

However some perspective is required as conservation campaigners and opponents launch a crowdfunding appeal in the hope of persuading the High Court to intervene; they have already generated more than £10,000 for this planning war.

Like all tourism destinations, York has to move with the times in order to broaden its visitor appeal.

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Despite its priceless Roman heritage, York is no exception to this – it’s in a fight for the tourist pound. And, furthermore, it’s not in the reputational or financial interests of an august body like English Heritage to compromise national monuments in its guardianship with ill-conceived plans that are out of keeping with the local environment. This appears to be an unnecessary distraction when York should be pulling together to ensure that the city is promoted, and marketed, as the UK’s number one visitor destination outside of London.