A COUNCIL could be forced to take legal advice after clashes over admission charges imposed on the newly refurbished York Art Gallery.

Police were called after a group of city residents demanded free admission to the new gallery during the official opening at the weekend.

To protect public safety, a decision was taken to waive the £7.50 charge for them.

Now the city council has been challenged to look at the legality of the charges by Cllr Andy D’Argone, who said it must avoid making another costly mistake where fines imposed on motorists crossing Lendal Bridge had to be reimbursed.

Protestors warned that by charging for entry to the gallery, which has undergone an £8m refurbishment, they are hindering people from poorer backgrounds from becoming the artists of tomorrow.