Heritage hiatus

Now is the time for Mr Vaizey to put his words into action after both York Minster, and the nearby National Railway Museum, became the latest victims of funding cuts announced by Yorkshire Forward.

The fact that these two crucial restoration schemes were not included on the original list of cuts, ostensibly because various contractual matters had not been finalised, offers no consolation to those tasked with raising the necessary funds to preserve these buildings.

Both projects are compelling. Both locations are among the jewels in Yorkshire's tourism crown. Both venues help to underpin the wider York economy because of their ability to inspire people of all ages. And both are in urgent need of repair; the Great East Window at York Minster is the largest piece of medieval stained glass in the world.

The challenge now is bringing these projects to a fruition when funding from Yorkshire Forward, and organisations like the lottery, is at such a premium. The difficulties also stem from 12 years of Labour paying "lip service" to the country's national heritage, and funds diverted to various social projects.

While accepting the seriousness of the financial position, Ministers like Mr Vaizey need to explain how they expect such restoration schemes to be funded in the future so that York Minster, which is emblematic of Yorkshire, and the National Railway Museum can continue to prosper.