Prayers could be answered as cathedral set to re-open

Published on Thursday 27 October 2011 00:00

St Paul’s Cathedral could open its doors to the public tomorrow, according to the cathedral’s dean.

The Right Reverend Graeme Knowles said he was optimistic that the building would re-open following changes to the layout of tents used by anti-capitalist protesters.

He said a final decision would be taken today on whether to open in time for the Eucharist at 12:30pm tomorrow. He added that the cathedral was considering all its options in response to the protest, including legal action.

The dean said: “The staff team here have been working flat out with the police, fire brigade and health and safety officers to try to ensure that we have confidence in the safety of our worshippers, visitors and staff which will allow us to re-open.”

He said there were “statutory obligations” to ensure the safety of their staff, congregation, visitors and pilgrims. It is understood the galleries and dome would remain closed.

“We will revisit the risk assessment in the light of any overnight developments and subject to us getting the green light we hope to re-open in time for the Eucharist.”

His comments follow the City of London Corporation’s announcement earlier yesterday that it will meet tomorrow to decide whether to launch legal action to evict the protesters.

The dean said the cathedral is also considering court action.

The doors of the cathedral have been closed for five days. But demonstrators say they are keen to allow religious worship to continue and held an evensong in the churchyard at 5pm yesterday.

TOM ROWLEY AND ALICE PHILIPSON