York Minster may charge visitors an entry fee for the first time in the face of rising costs and falling visitor numbers.

The Dean and Chapter have "reluctantly" launched a feasibility study and public consultation over the possible introduction of a general admission charge.

The Dean, the Very Reverend Raymond Furnell, revealed that the Minster has 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.

Visitor numbers had already been dwindling for some time before a further sharp drop in tourism after September 11. Those who visited the cathedral made an average voluntary donation of less than 50p per person.

The Dean said the Minster could not continue eating into its reserves indefinitely. "York Minster has a responsibility to welcome worshippers, pilgrims and tourists," he said. "An essential part of that responsibility is realistic and responsive financial planning into the future."

He revealed that if charges came in, York residents might be entitled to free admission with a pass similar to the Yorkcard, which entitles residents to free admission to the Castle Museum.

Admission would be free for services, and might be free on Sundays.

A working party would also look at whether those who simply wanted to go inside to pray could go to a specific part of the cathedral to do so free of charge.

"Our greatest concern is to continue to maintain an atmosphere of worship and searching in a place where people come to discover the mystery of God," he said.

"There has been no decision yet," stressed the Dean, saying it might be decided that the introduction of charges would not be worth the "pain."

The results of a feasibility study being conducted in America into the possibility of corporate sponsorship of the Minster, to the tune of 10 million dollars, would also have a bearing on the charging decision.

He said a quite significant capital expenditure would be needed to facilitate the change, and extra staff would have to be employed.

He also felt the Minster would have to improve in several areas if visitors were to feel they had got a "good deal", including the provision of toilet facilities.

It might be possible to reduce the existing charge to specific parts of the Minster, such as the undercroft, if a general admission charge was brought in.

The Dean said he would welcome ideas on other ways of generating extra income.

He said a number of other cathedrals already charged visitors, including St Paul's, Canterbury, Lincoln and Westminster Abbey, although York would be the first in the North. He did not believe the introduction of charges would have a negative impact on York's tourist industry.

The feasibility study is expected to last for between three to six months.

* What do you think? Write to the Letters Editor with your views on admission charges.

Updated: 10:58 Thursday, January 24, 2002