CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save York Minster library have held lunch-time vigils to drum up support.

People concerned about the planned closure have gathered at the cathedral's west entrance for the last week to make their feelings known.

They carry a large banner which reads: "Save the Minster Library".

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, was recently presented with a petition signed by more than 2,300 people and a letter asking him to "convey their concerns" about the proposed closure to the Dean and Chapter.

Dr Hope has since organised a meeting with the chapter and says he will not comment further until then.

But the Evening Press understands that he intends to thrash out a compromise where charges for entry to the Minster will go ahead but the library will be saved.

Meanwhile, the campaigners are urging people to attend a "Get Well Soon" march for the library round the Minster on Saturday. They plan to place cards and flowers outside the library. The march will start at 12.30pm.

Campaigner Carolin Esser, a post-graduate medieval student, who also works as a tour guide, is a regular user of the Minster library.

She told the Evening Press: "We want to show that there is continued concern over this issue.

"The vigils provide us with a good contact point to let people know what's going on.

"There is a lot of support for our campaign."

Fellow campaigner Mike Tyler added: "We're keeping the campaign to the fore."

"There has been an outcry throughout the world about the library's possible closure."

Meanwhile, York MP Hugh Bayley has called for the Church Commissioners to investigate the Minster library before any further decision is made.

He said: "The Church Commissioners are currently carrying out an examination of Lambeth Palace library as part of a study on this service.

"Although they are directly responsible for Lambeth Palace library but not for the Minster library, I think the Church Commissioners should widen their terms of reference and examine York before any final decision is made on the library."

Updated: 10:48 Wednesday, June 18, 2003