COMFORT is winning the battle over tradition at Ripon Cathedral as a debate about the future of its pews continues.

After the initial announcement that uncomfortable wooden bench pews could be replaced by chairs, two-thirds of those responding to the sub-dean Canon Michael Glanville-Smith have said they favour chairs.

And the comfort factor is the crucial factor.

After the initial plea for views, the canon is now spreading his consultation by actively seeking views from the wider congregation, people involved in cathedral groups and visitors.

Canon Glanville-Smith, aware of the sensitivity of dispensing with pews in the nave, said he wanted to hear as many views as possible before a final decision was made.

He pointed out that York Minister, Winchester and Salisbury were among cathedrals where more comfortable chairs were used.

Moving to chairs would give more flexibility as well as more comfort. But one objector had written asking why the change was necessary when the cathedral was facing other costs associated with its running and restoration.

Once the latest consultation is completed, the cathedral's parochial church council will discuss the issue.

What has been described as modern, comfortable chairs would replace the pews if the administration decided on the change but the sub-dean said the chairs would be appropriate to the cathedral setting.

The tradition of pews in the nave do not have such a long tradition. Back in the 1940s, Ripon congregations were seated on chairs while pews were still used in the choir.

If the pews are dispensed with and put up for sale the cathedral authorities can expect keen interest. When a church in Harrogate decided to get rid of its pews they were snapped up within two days.

It was after seeing the cathedral cleared of pews for fundraising black tie dinners that the Chapter realised how much flexibility chairs would provide for other gatherings and special services.

Meanwhile Canon Glanville-Smith said he wanted to hear from as many people as possible about the issue.