ANYONE who has had the builders in knows the scenario.

With sucking of teeth or prolonged tutting, the builder will say it's a big job and is going to cost much more than the original estimate.

So it is from humble semis to Gothic cathedrals. The restoration of York Minster's East Front is proving far more difficult and extensive than anyone had expected.

The scaffolding will have to remain for longer too, in this case for many years. It is the price that has to be paid for maintaining such a beautiful and ancient building.

Updated: 09:41 Wednesday, January 05, 2005