THE vast web of scaffolding at St Woolos Cathedral in Newport is to be unravelled next week.

Expert conservators put up the scaffolding two weeks ago to carry out detailed investigations at the cathedral in Stow Hill.

The study is now complete, and clergy are awaiting a report setting out what remedial work is needed.

Initial estimates suggested restoration work could cost up to £3 million, although it is possible that figure could rise once the specialists report back, as is expected in the next fortnight.

A routine inspection earlier this year revealed some urgent repairs were needed to the cathedral, parts of which are 1,000 years old.

Oak roof trusses were found to be rotting and outer walls flaking, while clay roof tiles also need replacing.

Earlier this week there was a frantic race against time to prop up two decaying medieval beams to make the cathedral safe for the 7pm Ash Wednesday service, which marks the beginning of Lent.

Experts feared the heavy snowfall in the city could put so much pressure on the roof that it would cave in.

Clergy hope firm costings will be available when architects Davies Sutton report in two weeks' time, allowing them to start fundraising.

Minor Canon Reverend Mark Soady said:"There has been a lot of interest and people are coming up to me, asking what they can do to help," he said.

It is estimated the appeal committee will need to raise £1.5 million before they can even apply for match funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Cadw, the body which helps preserve historic monuments in Wales.