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Cathedral announces security meeting

24/12/2007

The Church of England (CofE) is to meet with police, councillors and businesses to discuss how to improve security at Manchester Cathedral.

Insurance costs at the cathedral have climbed to £50,000 after a spate of burglaries and vandalism.

In October, a stained glass window was smashed and a collection box was stolen, while 12 more windows were broken this month.

David Marshall, spokesman for the cathedral, said: "The cathedral is surrounded by four busy pubs and the immediate grounds are open to the public 24 hours a day.

"We are not sure if the lighting needs improving, if it is a police patrol issue, or a wider security problem in the area - this is why we are hoping to have the security summit early in January."

In October a violent video game set in the cathedral was nominated for a Bafta, a decision described as a disgrace by the CofE.

Resistance: Fall of Man caused a stir in June when it came to the Church's attention that the 800-year-old building had been used as a virtual background for a bloody alien gun battle.