Cathedral has spending suspended over debts

A cathedral has had all new spending suspended after hundreds of thousands of pounds in debts were discovered.

The move comes after furniture at Bangor Cathedral, Gwynedd, worth £418,000 was part-funded by the diocese and about £20,000 was spent on three trips abroad - two to Rome and one to Dublin - sources close to the cathedral told BBC-produced Newyddion S4C.

A ban on new spending follows the publication of two critical report summaries earlier this month which outlined concerns relating to safeguarding, behaviour and financial management at the church.

A cathedral spokesperson said it had agreed to repay the cost of the trips and an "independent review" last year found no financial inconsistencies.

The debts are to the Bangor Diocese, which is a separate charity.

Whistleblowers alleged the trips were paid for by the diocese, despite mainly involving cathedral staff, saying the second Rome visit characterised by its extravagance.

It is said to have involved "an overnight stay in the Radisson at Manchester Airport before an early flight, followed by accommodation in four-star hotels in Rome, plus dinner and taxis throughout".

It was also alleged that "most of the participants on the second and third trips did not contribute towards the cost".

The cathedral acknowledged there was inadequate consultation and information regarding the expenditure on furniture and that the Dean and Chapter of Bangor Cathedral had agreed to repay the costs of the trips abroad.

It also said the Church in Wales centrally was helping rectify issues with financial record-keeping and the debt would be repaid by next year.

The cathedral said, while spending was suspended, it was continuing with the process of appointing a new dean.