EXTRA security measures are to be taken at one of the region’s greatest seats of worship in the wake of recent terrorist atrocities.

Work to install a protective barrier comprising 12 heavy stone security blocks at the front of York Minster will begin this week.

The decision to strengthen security at the front of the Minster was taken by the Chapter of York, the cathedral’s governing body, following recommendations from the Counter Terrorism Unit.

It follows the horrific attacks in Manchester and London in March and May respectively this year, in which at least 27 people died and many hundreds more were seriously injured.

Commenting on the Minster’s new security measures, the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Dr Vivienne Faull said: “The national terror threat level has been at “Severe” for many months and is likely to remain so for some time to come.

“Some experts within the UK’s security community believe that we are facing a generational problem which may last for 20 or 30 years.”

Dr Faull said the secrity review had been essential for a building as nationally important as York Minster.

“The appalling attacks in Manchester and London earlier this year have required all those responsible for the security of nationally important buildings, monuments and public spaces to reassess, review and constantly refine their arrangements for keeping people safe,” she said.

“Chapter has been concerned about the potential vulnerability of the area around the Minster’s West End for some time.

“The clear recommendation from the Counter Terrorism Unit required us to take urgent and decisive action to protect the area.

“The protective barrier will provide a physical defence and will be a visible deterrent at the front of the Minster.”

She added: “We have a clear duty of care to everyone who visits York Minster and we will do everything we can to ensure that our worshippers and visitors feel safe and secure when they are here.”

Approved by the Home Office and tested by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), the 12 security blocks will form a substantial barrier.

New flag stones will also be cut and set around the edges of each block - and no archaeological remains will be disturbed by the installation work.

Similar security blocks are already in use at a number of high profile locations around the country including the Tower of London.

However Dr Faull insisted that the security barrier in front of the Minster is a temporary measure.

“The blocks can and will be removed if the security situation improves in the future,” she said.

The Minster has a history of caring about nits security and even has its own police force The Minster police have the power of arrest after eight constables and and the cathedral’s head of security were sworn in in May.

The present building is one of the largest of its kind in northern Europe and was built between 1220 and 1472 although it was predated by a large Roman building which once stood on the site and a wooden Anglo-Saxon church was built there by 627.