ADMISSION fees into Coventry Cathedral started this week as voluntary donations were not enough to keep the building running.
The decision was made by the cathedral’s governing body last November as running costs of around £1.5million a year were not being met.
Last year visitor numbers fell from 100,000 to 80,000 and in the past two years the cathedral has suffered a funding shortfall of £200,000.
From this week visitors will have to pay up to £5 to enter.
Nick Chavasse, director of tourism, heritage and events, said that it was a “difficult decision” to start charging people, but something they must do to remain open.
He said: “It’s very sad that we are having to charge people to visit, but if we want to keep the cathedral open then that’s what we’ll have to do.
“It costs more than £4,000 a day to keep the cathedral running.
“We used to get £5million from English Heritage but that’s stopped now and we don’t, and never have had, funding from Coventry City Council.
“It’s unfortunate we’re having to charge people, however we’re bringing in exhibitions all year round to try and give visitors ‘value for money’.
“We have arranged for work to be shown around the theme of peace and reconciliation and have a new film theatre too.”
Despite requested donations of £3, the average donation from visitors was £1.87.
Mr Chavasse said: “We need to try and attract more people from Coventry to visit the cathedral. At the moment two-thirds of our visitors are from outside the city.
“We’re hoping that by showing short films and exhibitions around the year, more local people will come.”
Under the new scheme, entrance fees for adults cost £4.50 or £5 – with the extra 50p going to Gift Aid – from Monday to Saturday.
There is no charge for children under 10, members of the congregation, members of Friends of Coventry Cathedral and Sundays are free.
Anyone wishing to come to pray can avoid the charge by entering through a separate entrance.
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