£3m needed to stop cathedral collapsing

Three of the century-old building's four main domes and supporting arches are in danger of crumbling without urgent repairs, putting visitors at risk.

Today, the Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor called for funds to restore the Grade I-listed building so it meets health and safety regulations.

He said: "Westminster Cathedral has been a symbol of the Catholic presence at the heart of our nation for over 100 years.

"However, time has taken its toll and we must now take urgent action to ensure the future of this living house of prayer."

The problems were uncovered during a structural survey last year - the first time the 104ft domes have been examined since the Second World War.

Experts found the stainless steel meshes supporting three of the domes are coming apart. The fourth dome has no support at all.

The brickwork in the arches is in a serious state of decay and needs replacing, as do the electric and lighting systems.

Parts of the building have been closed to the public for 20 years for safety reasons and disability access needs improving.

Cathedral administrator Monsignor Mark Langham said: "These meshes are in urgent need of repair and the brick vaults are decayed and cracked and must be replaced. There is a huge crucifix which weighs two tonnes and is attached to one of the arches. The last thing we want is for that to come crashing down.

"We have always lived hand to mouth and so repairs have been done on an ad-hoc basis with no strategic approach. It has always been a struggle. If we don't do something immediately the situation could become dangerous."

The work will be carried out in two phases beginning after Easter and will take two years to complete. An initial £1million will pay for the emergency structural repairs, while the other £2million will modernise the cathedral's security and electrical systems. Financial secretary Paulo Camoletto said the diocese would secure the first million but phase two would have to wait until all the cash had been raised.

The appeal is backed by Tony Blair, a recent Catholic convert, and actress Patricia Routledge and Sir Roy Strong, former director of the V&A, both of whom will attend a private fundraising dinner tomorrow to formally launch the appeal. Ann Widdecombe will host an auction at the event, where prizes include dinner with the Duke of Norfolk, a piano recital by Stephen Hough, a crib donated by the Blairs and a racehorse.

The cathedral costs £3,000 a day to stay open. It is free to enter, receives no government funding and relies solely on donations from its 30,000 visitors a year.

To contribute to the appeal, call the Friends of Westminster Cathedral on 0207 798 9059.