Preparations to open Peterborough Cathedral begin

It is expected places of worship will be allowed to re-open next week, after being closed in the early stages of the lockdown.

While large services will still not be held, people will be able to visit for private prayer.

Today the Dean of Peterborough, the Very Rev Chris Dalliston, said preparations were now taking place to allow the Cathedral to open its doors once more - but that the historic building would not open until it is safe to do so.

He said; “We welcome the announcement that places of worship can open from Monday 15th June. Here at Peterborough Cathedral we have been working towards a phased reopening from Saturday 4th July, and while we will review whether it may be possible to bring this date forward, our primary concern is the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers. There is much to be done, and while we long to open our doors again, we shall not be rushed into doing so prematurely.”