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THE man behind the controversial developments in Winchester Cathedral Close is leaving this summer after five years in the post.

In a surprise move, Adrian Munns will leave his post as receiver general on July 31, as reported on the Daily Echo website yesterday. Since arriving in 2003, Mr Munns has worked hard to overcome the church's chronic financial problems.

Among the sometimes controversial innovations have been compulsory charging for entrance, the German-style market and the popular ice-skating in The Close.

Most contentious have been changes to The Close, including the proposal to build on the Dean Garnier Garden and the letting of historic houses.

Under his stewardship the once-cash strapped cathedral has seen regular annual surpluses.

The Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev James Atwell, said: "We are losing from the chapter a valued colleague who has served the cathedral, the staff, our volunteers and the community with dedication and determination.

"We are sorry to lose his counsel and advice and he will leave us at the end of July with our gratitude and very best wishes for the future".

Mr Munns, a retired commodore in the Royal Navy, was unavailable for comment.

8:06am Friday 9th May 2008

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