The first press conference at Westminster Cathedral after the appointment of the new Archbishop this week announced the beginning of an appeal for £1 m for the repair and upkeep of the building.
Cracks dating from the bombing of London during the 'blitz' may be seen in the roof and other parts of the fabric are in need of renovation. The Cathedral became visible from Victoria Street for the first time late last year, when Victorian office buildings between the street and the Cathedral were replaced by a decorative piazza. The appeal, under the patronage of the Duke of Norfolk, will be officially launched during a visit by the Duke of Edinburgh to the Cathedral early next month.