CONTROVERSIAL proposals to charge for visiting York Minster have been put on hold.

Instead, the Minster authorities announced today that they are to launch an "improved donation scheme" from next week to beat a cash crisis.

The Evening Press revealed earlier this year that the Dean and Chapter of the cathedral had "reluctantly" launched a feasibility study and public consultation over the possible introduction of a general admission charge.

The Dean, the Very Reverend Raymond Furnell, said in January that the Minster had been operating at a budget deficit of about £500,000 a year for the past three years, despite cost-cutting measures, including the shedding of 15 posts.

Visitors were making an average voluntary donation of less than 50p each. Their numbers were dwindling even before the fall in tourism caused by the September 11 terrorist attacks - a situation made worse by the foot and mouth crisis.

But today the Minster authorities announced that instead of bringing in the charges, from next Wednesday, they would launch an improved donation scheme for a six-month trial period.

Visitors will be offered the opportunity to make a "realistic" donation of £3.50 per adult and £1 per child.

"This new attempt to increase voluntary donations is a key part of our feasibility study which seeks to avoid the introduction of an admission charge at the Minster," said the Chapter Steward, Brigadier Peter Lyddon.

He said: "It certainly seems to work at Salisbury and Winchester cathedrals and we hope it works here too."

Updated: 11:21 Friday, April 26, 2002