The Minster has an annual deficit of �600,000

York Minster has an annual deficit of �600,000 which has led to plans to impose an admission charge and close parts of the historic library.

The acting Dean, Canon Glyn Webster, told a meeting on Thursday night that a new financial strategy is needed.

Opposition to the admission charge has come from the Archbishop, Dr David Hope, while 2,500 people have signed a petition protesting against the plans for the library.

The Minster finances are in such a dire mess Frank Harris, member of the Archbishop's Council

Frank Harris, who was at the meeting of the Archbishop's Council, which consists of clergy and other members of the Church of England, said Canon Webster's plans were well received.

He said: "Canon Webster made a very full statement right from the heart and apologised for the stress that has been caused through a lack of communication.

"He said the Minster finances are in such a dire mess that we have to look at a new strategy.

"The Canon clearly intends to turn over a new page and put the Minster back on an even keel."

Mr Harris added that people at the meeting repeated their opposition to plans for compulsory admission charges which were put forward by the former Dean, Dr Raymond Furnell, who retired last week.

Currently visitors are asked for a voluntary donation of �3.50.