Cathedral asks visitors for voluntary £6 donation

A city cathedral is encouraging visitors to make a £6 donation to help secure its future.

Peterborough Cathedral said the suggested amount "reflects the average we ask visitors to consider" and stressed that donations were "entirely voluntary".

Its spokesperson said: "Visitors are welcome to give whatever they can - or nothing at all. The cathedral remains open to everyone, regardless of their ability to donate."

The move comes after it warned last year that it could not continue opening seven days a week without introducing entry charges. It later launched a "Cathedral in Crisis" fundraising campaign, which has since raised £300,000 so far.

The spokesperson added: "We have always invited visitors to make a voluntary donation towards the upkeep of the cathedral, rather than charging a fixed entry fee as some other cathedrals and places of worship do."

Visitor Toby Gregg said he had no problem paying the fee.

"I think you could argue in times of austerity it's quite a lot of money, but I think you've got to take the bigger picture, which is the amount of upkeep it must take," he said.

"It's an extremely beautiful architectural piece. I'm happy to pay it personally."

Pauline Gregg added: "It's just the most gorgeous place and it's worth preserving.

"If we have to pay £6 or £10 we should...otherwise, that [the cathedral] will not be standing in another thousand years."

One visitor, who did not want to be named, said: "I think donations are okay, but I think it's weird that they're asking for a specific set amount donation.

"It could discourage people to come because not everybody's got £6 spare."

Another visitor, Rachel, said: "I've got four kids, so I probably wouldn't want to pay £6 each because I've been in there a lot of the time, but for just me, I don't mind paying."

Keith Veale, who supports the donation, said: "I am not a religious person myself, but I do respect the church and it's about the best thing there is about Peterborough."

A cathedral spokesperson said it relies on donations, fundraising and commercial activities to stay open, as it receives limited church funding and no direct government support.

The nearly 1,000-year-old building also faces £230,000 worth of roof and rainwater repairs and is bidding for support from the Places of Worship Renewal Fund.

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