York Minster is a unique and wonderful creation. As a place of worship and a work of art, it has few peers.

The largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe is also invested with terrific symbolism. Towering over this city for centuries, it is an icon of York and Yorkshire.

For all these reasons and more, the decision by the Dean and Chapter to investigate introducing entrance charges will be hugely controversial. The question is bound to be asked: is nothing sacred?

No one will be more sensitive to such a charge than the Dean and Chapter. This body has the great responsibility of meeting the many demands now placed on the Minster, while preserving it for future generations.

Interesting parallels can be drawn between today's disclosures and what is happening to York City. Both the Minster and Bootham Crescent have been hit by falling numbers and diminishing income.

But the Dean and Chapter have not waited for their financial predicament to become a crisis. By floating the idea of an entrance fee now, and putting it out to public consultation, it is demonstrating commendable honesty.

Corporate sponsorship is also being sought, another idea that will send a shiver down many spines. But this is only part of a long tradition: the noblemen who helped pay for the construction of York Minster were repaid by seeing their family shields carved into the choir.

Before introducing admission fees, the Dean and Chapter will talk to York tourism chiefs. They must be concerned at the prudence of this move, at a time when the number of people visiting the Minster is already dropping, and when the National Railway Museum has scrapped entrance charges.

If a Minster admission charge is deemed absolutely necessary, it would have to be introduced with great sensitivity. Residents of York and the diocese should be guaranteed unlimited free access. Visitors who are genuinely seeking spiritual comfort must also be waved through.

But before anyone condemns the whole idea out of hand, they must ask themselves this question. Which is more sacrilegious - paying to enter the Minster, or allowing it to crumble?

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, January 24, 2002