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.