I AM disappointed to read of the introduction of admission charges at York Minster.

I often go into the Minster to light candles in memory of relatives and friends and believe I should be able to do this without payment.

Payment is already required if visitors wish to climb the Tower, see the treasures of the Undercroft and the beauty of the Chapter House - a charge to find peace and comfort or to offer remembrance in the main building does not seem appropriate.

People who came to remember September 11 or leave flowers in memory of Princess Diana would have found admission charges most disturbing.

Can anyone explain why, with its considerable wealth, the Church of England cannot release some of its assets to ease the unstable financial situation affecting one of its most famous places of worship?

C A Rodley,

Irwin Avenue,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 10:23 Monday, May 12, 2003