PRICELESS historic treasures could be lost to the North-East if the closure of a 200-year-old Roman Catholic seminary goes ahead.

Faced with rising costs and falling rolls, trustees of Ushaw College, near Durham, this month began consultation on closure.

As well as buildings and 380 acres, the college owns more than 40,000 books, medieval manuscripts, papers, the archive of the English College at Lisbon from 1628 to 1971 and an extensive collection of books on and by Cardinal John Newman, who was beatified by the Pope on a recent visit to Britain.

Durham’s World Heritage Site partnership is worried the archives could be moved or divided and is seeking urgent talks on the issue.

In a joint statement, Professor Chris Higgins, the vicechancellor of Durham University, and the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, the Dean of Durham Cathedral, said they were greatly saddened to hear of Ushaw’s proposed closure and were concerned about its library.

They said the books had a long and very important connection with the North-East, were part of a hugely important Middle Ages collection centred on Durham City and the World Heritage Site and should remain associated with it.

They said: “The university, in particular through its highly- regarded Centre for Catholic Studies, and the cathedral are pursuing further dialogue with the trustees of the college to explore how to ensure this uniquely significant collection remains intact in the North-East, to enable continued access to the collection by students and scholars from around the world.”

Meanwhile, Prof Higgins confirmed the university had held talks with Ushaw leaders about its estates and buildings, but said: “The nature of the buildings and the modifications and maintenance required, together with the uncertainty of the current financial environment in higher education, mean Durham University is unable to acquire the Ushaw estate unless a substantial endowment for its upkeep could be raised.”

There are now only 26 seminarians at the college. Sixtytwo jobs are at risk.