Boost to Minster library campaign

The MP hopes news that permission would be needed to dispose of the Minster Library's historic works will encourage campaigners.

According to Mr Bayley, the York Minster Statutes state the Chapter should maintain a library for the promotion of "sacred learning".

The news is a boost to campaigners who want to ensure there is no backtracking on a potential reprieve revealed in Thursday's Evening Press. We reported that a compromise deal was expected to be thrashed out at a meeting between the Archbishop and the Dean and Chapter later this month, under which the library would remain in its present form while the Minster could still introduce admission charges.

Strengthening the campaigners hand, Church Commissioner Stuart Bell fired a warning shot to the Minster.

Mr Bell, the Church of England's representative at Westminster, said the library was not under the commission's direct control. But, in a Parliamentary answer to Mr Bayley, he said the Cathedral Fabric Commissioner would have to sanction the disposal of any books of "historic value".

This could leave the Minster facing a huge battle if it did decide to try to reduce the size of the library.

Insiders said the definition of which books are of special value could be argued passionately by either side.

Mr Bayley, who uncovered the section in the Minster's rules relating to the library, said: "The library was created 1,250 years ago and there has to be a middle way between changing nothing and closing it altogether.

"It would be quite extraordinary for the most important church in northern England to abandon its library altogether after running one for more than 1,000 years."

Mr Bayley has held talks with the head librarian at York University, the head of York City Council's library services, the principal of York St John College, and MP Frank Field, a member of the general synod of the Church of England. All are keen to see the library saved.

Updated: 10:15 Monday, June 09, 2003