EUROCRATS in Brussels are threatening to silence the organs at Canterbury Cathedral.

An EU directive concerning the disposal of hazardous materials has unwittingly caught up the five ageing organs in the Cathedral.

It is also jeopardizing the work of organ builders and restorers.

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive could come into effect in July and is designed to limit the amount of lead from electrical items dumped when they are no longer needed.

It is chiefly aimed at computers and mobile phones. But because most of the blowers in the pipe organs are powered by electric motors, they too will be affected by the directive.

Some organ pipes have a lead content of 50 per cent or more, higher than the European directive allows.

The Depart of Trade and Industry is overseeing the introduction of the directive in the UK.

* FOR THE FULL STORY SEE THIS WEEK'S KENTISH GAZETTE.