Funding woes for historic U.K. cathedrals

LONDON, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The Church of England says the British government still isn't spending enough money on upkeep of the nation's historic cathedrals.

English Heritage earmarked 2.1 million pounds, about $4 million, for 28 cathedrals, which the church says doesn't nearly cover the 11 million pounds -- $21.4 million -- spent annually on repairs.

Many of England's old churches date back to medieval times and are a tourist draw. Maximum upkeep awards were made to three cathedrals in Suffolk County -- St. Edmundsbury, Lincoln and Lichfield.

The Daily Telegraph said Friday that Heritage England has had to reduce its grants ever since a major reduction in its own budget in 2004.