AN MP has held “positive” talks with English Heritage regarding its controversial plans for Clifford’s Tower.

York Central MP Rachael Maskell met representatives from the organisation to discuss the plans in detail.

English Heritage was granted planning permission last month to build a new visitor centre at the base of the historic York attraction - but the scheme has attracted criticised by campaigners.

Just under 3,500 people have signed an online petition protesting at the approval of the visitor centre. Only 13 objected during the planning process, and around 100 attended a demonstration at the tower last weekend.

Ms Maskell believes one solution is to build the centre in the car park behind the tower.

“It was a positive meeting. I have taken forward concerns people have.

“There’s some very exciting work put forward for the inside of the tower and for the conservation of the tower as well.

“Clearly there are some outstanding concerns about the visitor centre, not about having the visitor centre, I support that, but about the location.”

“I talked about possible alternative locations for the project, and about synchronising with other developments around the Southern Gateway.”

An English Heritage spokeswoman said: “We listened with interest to the points she made and will consider them with colleagues’ and respond further.”