FOR a city supposedly so proud of its ancient roots, York often shows a cavalier attitude towards history.

There are numerous examples through the years. The Victorian aldermen planned to demolish the bar walls. More recently the blundering attempt to shift the City Archives to the university, a long-term lack of investment in the museums and the imposition of an entry charge at the Art Gallery are examples of council carelessness with our heritage.

But the decision to close the Minster Library is the most shocking example yet. It shows that historical negligence is not an exclusively political affliction. The Dean and Chapter's decision is an abdication of its duty as custodian of the centuries-old heritage with which it was entrusted.

The Minster Library can be traced to AD750. The great scholar Alcuin was librarian in the 770s.

Today it is the largest cathedral library in Britain, with more than 120,000 items. That is a priceless treasure trove, pertaining to local and national history, giving us insights into the lives of archbishops and architects, artists and the ordinary people of York.

The library was recently extended with the help of a near-£1 million Lottery grant: do the Minster authorities intend to refund the public?

Many people will be stunned by the library's closure. The Very Rev Raymond Furnell's predecessor, Dean Milner-White, would be turning in his grave. He was nominated as a candidate for York Man of the Millennium largely because he revitalised the Minster Library.

The closure plan is indicative of the financial problems which have embroiled Europe's largest Gothic cathedral. Dean Furnell told us this week that the announcement on Minster entrance charges had been timed to ensure his successor was not held responsible.

However, the library announcement was not due to take place until after his retirement on Sunday.

Now York must mount a vigorous crusade to save this unique asset and prevent an act of cultural vandalism.

Updated: 10:23 Friday, May 23, 2003