Race Against Time as 900-Year-Old Cathedral Faces Financial Collapse
Peterborough Cathedral urgently needs £300,000 to avoid financial disaster by March
Peterborough, UK, Cathedral, Financial Crisis, Community Support
Peterborough: The historic Peterborough Cathedral is in a tough spot right now. It’s been around for nearly 1,400 years, but it’s facing some serious financial issues.
The dean, Very Reverend Christopher Dalliston, says they need to raise £300,000 by the end of March. If they don’t, it might become the UK’s first part-time cathedral. That’s a big deal!
He mentioned that the cathedral is a vital part of the community. It’s not just a building; it’s a place where people find inspiration and comfort. They really need help to keep it open.
With rising costs for energy and staff, plus repairs, the cathedral’s annual expenses have shot up to over £2 million. They’re relying heavily on donations, but those have dropped recently, likely due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Even the government’s planned National Insurance rise isn’t helping. It’s tough out there, and the dean pointed out that many cathedrals are in the same boat.
Local MP Andrew Pakes emphasized how important the cathedral is to the community. It’s a place of history and connection, and they’re working hard to find funding and support.
They’ve tried some fun events to raise money, like a live music show and an art exhibition, but the situation is getting more urgent. If things don’t change soon, they might have to charge an entry fee or limit open days.
The dean is keeping all options open, but they want to keep the cathedral free for visitors as long as possible. It’s a challenging time, but the community is rallying together to save this iconic landmark.