Charles 'too late' to save arches

Supporters of plans to bulldoze one of London's most historic railway sites today rejected criticism from Prince Charles that they risked destroying the city's "hidden treasures".

The backers of moves to demolish the underground arches at Bishopsgate Goodsyard also said alternative plans by the Prince to preserve the site were "too late" to be considered.

Charles, writing in yesterday's Evening Standard, said the plans to redevelop the goodsyard to make way for the new East London Underground line and extra office developments would destroy nearly all buildings of historic significance on the 10-acre Victorian site.

He has backed alternative plans by English Heritage. Today London Underground and Railtrack, who both own the site, said the project would still go ahead.