Peterborough Cathedral 'not crying wolf' in bid to raise £300,000

The Dean of Peterborough Cathedral has said it is not "crying wolf" in its bid to raise enough money to stay open.

Since a fundraiser was launched last month, more than half of the £300,000 it needs by the end of March to remain open seven days a week has been raised.

The running costs of the Cathedral exceed £2 million pounds a year and that rising costs are threatening its future.

"We're not crying wolf, we have to make difficult decisions if this money doesn't come in this year," the Very Reverend Chris Dalliston, Dean of Peterborough Cathedral, said.

"Equally, we've got to make sure we keep people alert to the fact for us and some of our other great cathedrals, too, this (financial pressures) will be an ongoing situation."

'We can't go out every year with our begging bowl'

In January, the cathedral - founded in 654 AD - said it was facing "a critical challenge" to keep running, citing rising energy and staff costs as well as essential repairs to the building.

As well as for prayer and reflection, the city landmark also hosts educational activities.

“We are overwhelmed by the kindness and commitment of our supporters,” said Anna Bentley, Head of Fundraising at the Cathedral, said.

Mr Dalliston is grateful for the support received so far, but knows the cathedral cannot rely on this alone..

"We can't go out every year with our begging bowl and hope for people to keep us propped up," he added.

"We've got to build a relationship with our community, our supporters, that takes us forward into the future for the long-term.

"What's heartening is local people have rallied round, but the affection the cathedral is held in by all sorts of people and we feel humbled that different kinds of people been supporting us."

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