A new sign that has been hand painted on one of York’s oldest buildings has fueled a one-man protest.
The Old York Tearoom which opened back in February, in Our Lady's Row in Goodramgate, run by Tony and Thomas Vickers, the pair have transformed what was a former candle shop into an inviting tea room with space for 14 customers on the first floor.
But it's not what's inside the tiny tearoom that's caused a stir, but actually the sign on the front of the building.
The Ghost of William Etty - a group formed back in the 90s to help preserve York stone pavements from being pulled up in city streets - has objected to the sign saying it is vandalism of a Grade 1 listed building.
One of the group's founders, Gordon Campbell-Thomas, is on a mission to get the sign removed, saying the owners put it up without getting planning permission. He staged a protest yesterday (August 15) outside the tearoom.
He said: "The building dates back to 1316 and is a Grade 1 listed, meaning it's of similar importance to York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, St Paul’s Cathedral, or even Buckingham Palace.
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