THERE will be widespread relief that the Dean and Chapter have decided against charging admission to York Minster.

Many felt uncomfortable with the idea, considering it overtly commercial. And those York residents who regularly seek the tranquillity of the Minster will be comforted to know they will not have to pass through pay booths to do so.

Instead, visitors are to be pressed a little harder to make a decent donation towards the massive running costs. We must hope they respond, or the proposal for mandatory charges may be resurrected.

Updated: 11:07 Friday, April 26, 2002