THE financial crisis at York Minster could see the number of canons there reduced to two.

This was revealed at the Archbishop's Council meeting last night, according to one of the Archbishop's advisers, Frank Harris ,of the Derwent Deanery.

"Canon Glyn Webster (the acting Dean of York) addressed the meeting to discuss the current crisis," said Mr Harris.

"He apologised to council for the breakdown in communications but said clearly the Minster was in very great difficulties."

Mr Harris said it was clear that there were going to have to be some changes.

"The canon said they could not go on the way they were going, losing half a million every year.

"They are now very anxious to build bridges and restore relationships between the Minster and the Diocese that have been damaged, but he said cuts would have to be made."

The Archbishop's Council still holds the view that it does not want to introduce charging to the Minster or to close the library, but the canon said these may not be the only cost-cutting measures.

"One example was that the Minster may go down to two canons when people leave, and that all points of cutting are very hard decisions," said Mr Harris.

"But there is a great feeling in the council now that we have to be sensitive about how things are done, and the canon wants us to go forward positively and that people have got to be listened to."

Canon Webster did not wish to comment today.

Updated: 10:39 Friday, June 13, 2003