THE Archbishop of York is poised to intervene in a row over the introduction of entrance fees at York Minster, it emerged yesterday.

The charges, along with the proposal to close the Minster's library, have been put forward in a bid to reduce the cathedral's £600,000 annual deficit.

The outgoing Dean, Dr Raymond Furnell, announced the introduction of compulsory entry charges of £3.50 per adult last month.

It is understood Dr David Hope, the second most powerful figure in the Church of England, is becoming increasingly frustrated at events unfolding at the cathedral.

One option open to Dr Hope is to invoke 1,400-year-old powers to block the introduction of charges.

The power, called "Visitatorial Rights", dates from the 6th Century and would allow the archbishop to enter York Minster accompanied by a High Court Judge and a financial advisor to conduct an independent investigation into its management.

He could then issue a report instructing the Dean how to manage the Minster's accounts, allowing him to block the controversial charges.

The power, which is thought never to have been invoked before, would require the archbishop to make his visit in full episcopal regalia, complete with purple cassock, mitre and crosier.

Dr Hope's spokesman, the Reverend Rob Marshall, said no decision had yet been made.

He said: "Dr Hope has not yet made a final decision on the course of action.

"He is fully aware of the depth of feeling in some quarters.

"He has received hundreds of letters and messages from people all over the world.

"He intends consulting with the Minster to find a way forward on the issue."

On Saturday, about 50 people gathered at the Minster, which dates from 1220, to protest at the proposed closure of the library which houses more than 120,000 books and documents, including the Saxon York Gospels.