Liverpool goes to law over crumbling cathedral

THE TRUSTEES of Liverpool Archdiocese arc taking legal action against the architects of the Metropolitan Cathedral to establish who is responsible for the deterioration , of the Cathedral roof which may cost £1 million to repair.
Talks are going on with the solicitors of Frederick Gibberd Partners, who were chosen from 300 applicants to design the Cathedal in 1960. The Trustees of the Archdiocese are the Archbishop's Council, which includes the Episcopal Vicars and Auxiliary Bishops.
A Liverpool spokesman said that the Archdiocese was anxious to find out who was liable for the cost of repairs to the roof. A survey has already been mounted by a firm of engineers and architects to find out what is at the root of the problem with the roof, which has been leaking for some years.
When a competition was staged for the new Cathedral it was stipulated that the work should be completed within five years, and that the cost should be within £1 million at current prices. Gibberd's came up with a revolutionary plan using 30,000 tons of concrete and 1,500 tons of steel. Building was Finished in less than five years at the cost of £4 million and the Cathedral was opened at Pentecost 1967.
The Archdiocese declined to make any comment which could prejudice future action. It had no idea when the matter would be resolved. Gibberd's would not comment.
Parishioners have been told that there is absolutely no
danger to Cathedral congregations — the faults arc not structural. Work has not begun on repairing the roof.
Since the Pope's visit to Liverpool efforts have been made to make improvements to the Cathedral's interior. A coloured low-relief wood carving covers the wall of St Joseph's chapel and another side chapel is devoted to an explanation of the use of the sacred oils in • the Church's liturgy. Brightly-coloured hangings cover the bare walls of the nave.
But in a newly-furbished side chapel for private prayer, the brick wall is stained with damp.
In the next five months, eight pilgrimages to the Metropolitan Cathedral will bring 2,000 people from Liverpool Archdiocese parishes. The pilgrimages are to mark the Holy Year which ends on Easter Sunday next year. The pilgrims will have the chance to make private confession at the Cathedral and will be offered refreshments in the crypt. The first pilgrimage is on Sunday at 3 Pm.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is holding a 150th