Visitors speak out on Minster charges

In the wake of the launch of charges of £4.50 for visitors to go inside the Minster, the Evening Press took to the streets to find out people's reactions.

Rachel Robinson, 29, from Sunderland, said: "I think it's disgusting.

"You shouldn't have to pay to go into a church. It's wrong.

"Now you can't just go in and enjoy it for a little while, I think a lot of people will miss out on it.

"There are already lots of people not going in, seeing the prices and changing their minds. I think it is a real shame."

Paul Hickey, 25, from Leeds, said: "I think it's a bit out of order. There's no real need for it, and it's disappointing for us, we have been before, and enjoy to just wander round, but I doubt we will again."

Angela Smart, 41, from Wakefield, said: "I think it's outrageous.

"When you go abroad you don't have to pay to go into churches, so why should visitors when they come here - and why should we?"

Jackson Cheung, 29, said: "We came here from London because we thought it would be free. But now, after coming all this way, it looks like they will be charging us, as I think we probably will go in eventually, but I think it is a bad move."

Margaret Kirk, 49, from Leeds, said: "I think it's very sad.

"I think it will stop a lot of people going in, and a lot of people will lose out.

"We have been in before, but our grandchildren haven't, but them charging for this, on top of everything else, means that now we aren't going in.

"It belongs to the people of Yorkshire, and should be there for us.

"I think it is a real shame. It should get funding, from the Government, or the Lottery. It deserves it more than a lot of other things."

A spokeswoman for the Minster said: "We have had thousands of people in so far and we have had very few complaints for that number of people.

"Some people have said it is a shame, but they understand the money has to come from somewhere."

Updated: 11:11 Tuesday, August 05, 2003