A HERITAGE watchdog has admitted the cost of a public inquiry has left it seriously short of cash.

The York Civic Trust, which was defending Clifford's Tower against the proposed Coppergate II shopping development, says it struggled to meet the costs of giving evidence at the inquiry.

Chairman Darrell Buttery said the usual methods of raising income were not creating enough cash, and that the trust may have to look for other ways of saving money.

"Finance does remain a problem. In spite of many generous donations, the costs of the Coppergate II inquiry have seriously depleted our coffers," he said.

"Fairfax House continues to be a source of delight, but income lags well behind expenditure. We have some tough decisions to make."

The Coppergate II inquiry looked into controversial plans to build a £60m development in the shadow of Clifford's Tower and stretching into Piccadilly.

It would include shops, office space and living accommodation. The inquiry has now finished, although the inspector's decision has yet to be published.

In a Trust members' newsletter, Mr Buttery said City of York Council had now begun to consult more on possible developments.

He said: "Maybe as a result of the Coppergate inquiry, the council seems willing to involve the major conservation and amenity bodies at an early stage in York Central."

The York Central scheme aims to develop an area of land between York Station and Leeman Road.