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Diocese

The Very Rev Colin Slee, OBE, Dean of Southwark comments:

Two public Inquiries have concluded the additional viaduct through the Borough neighbourhood will benefit thousands of people well beyond its environs and the Chapter of Southwark Cathedral will not resist public benefit because of localized disruption. In addition, as part of the Chapter’s concern for the environment, it is committed to supporting any changes which create a more efficient public transport system, encouraging people away from private vehicles.

However, the Chapter is concerned by the inevitable dirt, noise, inconvenience and invasion such a major building enterprise involves and notes that the effect on the local community is likely to be harmful in the short term. It may also have long term consequences for some people in terms of health and happiness. Projects such as this inevitably give rise to the possibility of stress, disputes and breaches of contract conditions. Every effort should be made to ensure that this is firmly monitored and for reparations to be made to those affected.

The work of the church is the worship of God and service of people. Thus, at the first Public Inquiry the Chapter protested against increased noise levels and dirt emissions from the projected rail traffic and entered a legal contract with Network Rail with regard to amelioration and improvements to minimize noise disturbance to Divine Worship. Negotiations will continue as technology improves and methods are assessed.

The building phase is likely to be enormously disruptive and inconvenient and whilst the Cathedral Chapter will co-operate wherever it can, it insists that it has the right to protest to Network Rail and the Secretary of State if the work of the Cathedral is adversely affected in worshipping opportunities, visitor access or economic losses.

The church has stood here for 1400 years, in the context of which, five years building is a small period, nevertheless cathedrals receive no government funding whatsoever for their daily work and cultural contribution to society and the country. The Cathedral Chapter has a duty to maintain a financially viable church and will seek appropriate compensation if that is endangered.

Also see Network Rail media release

25 July 2007

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