Fears cathedral could close over funding crisis

Millions of pounds in repair works at one of Nottinghamshire's most famous religious buildings are needed urgently to prevent it from closing, according to church figures.

Southwell Minster, a Grade I listed monument, requires £20m of remedial work, a letter to congregation members said, with the cathedral's roof leaking and houses in its estate deemed unfit for people to live in.

The Very Reverend Stephen Evans, its Dean since April, said a backlog of repairs to the estate means "delay isn't an option", and is seeking emergency support.

Robert Jenrick MP also raised the issue in the House of Commons last week.

Built near the site of a Roman villa, Southwell Minster has been a centre of Christian worship for centuries, and was granted official cathedral status in 1884.

Funding issues have been identified for a number of years, with concerns raised in 2012 and a "significant budget deficit" raised last year.

Evans said the current building could be facing "the most critical moment" in its history.

"Over a number of years, there has been a severe under-investment in conservation repair work," he said.

"[With] all buildings that are as ancient and historic as the buildings and the estate here at Southwell, at some point one can no longer not do the works, as they physically start to fall down and become dangerous, and that is what has happened here."

With no external funding provided for cathedrals, Southwell Minster has been relying on donations from members of its congregation and visitors, as well as the proceeds from hosting events.

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