COMMUNITY leaders are hoping an attempt to pour oil on troubled waters at a cathedral.

The Dean of Ripon in North Yorkshire has come under fire for his management style, amid allegations that some key members of staff have left as a result.

Bursar Nigel Clay has left, and clerk Howard Crawshaw is departing at the end of the year.

Newspaper reports also claimed choirmaster Kerry Beaumont was considering his future, giving the Very Reverend John Methuen's "difficult and uncomfortable" management of the cathedral as a reason.

But yesterday both attempted to bring the dispute to an end by releasing statements.

Mr Beaumont said: "I would like to reaffirm my commitment to the Dean and Chapter, to the cathedral institution, and in particular to my position.

"I sincerely regret any impression or misunderstanding that recent reports have created and I look forward to working together with the Dean and Chapter in the future, particular in continuing to develop the music department.''

The Dean said: "I would like to reaffirm my commitment to Kerry Beaumont, that he has - and has always had - my total support, as has the whole music department."

The comments were welcomed by chairman of the partnership pioneering the regeneration of Ripon, Bernard Bateman.

"It is an internal matter which we hope has now been cleared up, allowing us all to work together towards a better future," said Mr Bateman, who helped to found the Ripon Partnership.