CHURCH leaders are taking action to reduce visual clutter around one of the region’s great cathedrals.

Signs around York Minster are to be replaced in an effort to improve clarity for visitors.

Minster officials have carried out a “signage audit” around the south and west entrances, and now plan to replace 17 existing signs with eight new ones.

In a statement they have submitted with a planning application to City of York Council they said: “The signage around the Minster has sporadically evolved, resulting in various styles, designs and quality.

“A clear design strategy had not been adopted, which resulted in several designs and mixed and confusing messaging.”

The new signs will include some tall, thin “totem signs” together with some flat map-boards to help people plan their route around the Minster.

It is proposed that the new signs will be made from brushed brass, giving a bronze-style appearance, with the writing and logos etched into the metal.