YEARS of wear and tear from the pounding feet of countless visitors and worshippers has take its toll on Ripon Cathedral's stone-flagged floor.
But replacing the uneven surface to avoid trips and falls in an era of insurance claims is no simple task for the cathedral authorities.
They have to clear three hurdles before a stone can be turned in the building, which dates from St Wilfrid's first church in AD 672 when he arrived with workmen from France and Italy.
Initially the cathedral had to get clearance from its Fabric Advisory Committee. Then came an application to the Cathedral Fabric Commission for England. And because they had to be consulted it meant a formal planning application has had to be tabled before Harrogate Borough Council.
About 12 3ft by 2ft flagstones will be replaced if final planning approval is given, all in matching stone.
If the work gets final backing the York Archeaological Trust will be allowed to make a preliminary investigation of the immediate area beneath the lifted flagstones, all in the minster's nave.
About four years ago an excavation took place after flagstones were replaced at the centre of the building, known as the cross area. Archeaologists enthused at finding the remains of a 15th Century burial, though this time there will not be a major dig.
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