This was the comment made at a meeting to try and protect the future of the city centre's gateway.

Yesterday councillors on Wakefield Council's planning and highways committee approved recommendations in a report on the Upper Westgate conservation plan.

In 1975 the area was designated a conservation area because of its historical significance, and it now includes 27 listed buildings.

By approving the report, the council was committing itself to ensuring any future developments in the zone remained sympathetic to the area.

It is not yet clear if the report will have an impact on the £136m rejuvenation of Westgate. Work on the Merchant Gate is due to start this summer.

Do you think Westgate's a no-go sone? Have your say by commenting in the section below this story.

The state of the conservation area was slammed by the report, which said: "During the evenings the area becomes a busy and vibrant destination.

"However, this concentration of night-time activity has intensified anti-social behaviour, discouraging some sectors of society from entering the area after hours. This has proved a particular problem for the Theatre Royal."

It also said the number of visitors to bars and restaurants was in decline and Westgate was just a through-route for traffic rather than a place people wanted to visit.

Coun David Hopkins said "It is becoming a no-go area except for the adults who like to have a drink."

The amount of car parking spaces and shop fronts and signs were said to be unsympathetic.

But some buildings – making a 'special contribution to the conservation area' – were praised, including 2-6 Albion Court, 2 Back Lane and 17 King Street.

Future developments in the conservation area will be kept under close scrutiny and the report advised key views, such as that of the cathedral and town hall, should remain as they are.