THREE York churches which were recommended for closure are to remain open, following a reorganisation of clergy.

The Shreeve Report, published in September last year, called for the closure of St Helen's in St Helen's Square, All Saints', in North Street, and St Chad's in Campleshon Road.

The report, commissioned by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, and written by a team headed by retired Archdeacon David Shreeve, was addressing the need to reduce the number of Church of England clergy posts.

Now the Archbishop, has announced new arrangements for the Church's work in York city centre. Tonight, in All Saints' Church, Pavement, Dr Hope was due to license three clergy to lead the city centre ministry.

They are: l The Reverend Simon Stanley, part-time Priest-in-Charge of St Chad's, who is to also be part-time Priest-in-Charge of All Saints', Pavement, and Archbishop's Adviser on the development of city centre churches and their mission

The Reverend Chris Cullwick, who has succeeded the Reverend Roy Wadsworth as full-time Chaplain with York Industrial Chaplaincy. He will be licensed in that role and work alongside Mr Stanley with those who live, work and spend time in central York

The Reverend Andrew Horsman, Vicar of St James the Deacon, Acomb Moor, will be licensed to the additional role of Priest-in-Charge of All Saints', North Street, where he will be assisted by a number of retired and visiting clergy.

Dr Hope said: "We now have a new team to lead the Church's work in central York, together with our friends in other churches, and I'm sure they will make a real contribution to the life of the city." The Shreeve Report also recommended the formal closure of three other city centre churches, St Martin-cum-Gregory and Holy Trinity, in Micklegate, and St Laurence's in Lawrence Street.

St Laurence's was saved earlier this year after being offered a £220,000 grant towards urgent repairs by the English Heritage Lottery Fund.

A diocesan spokesman said that at St Martin-cum-Gregory's, which had not been used for services for many years, formal closure had now been initiated by the parochial church council. If this was approved, alternative uses would be found for the listed building, enabling it to be restored.

He said there was an investigation looking into possible additional roles and uses for Holy Trinity, and the church's future was now looking "very positive".

Updated: 10:37 Friday, November 07, 2003