SALISBURY Cathedral has dismissed reports that the lengthy wait to appoint a permanent dean has sparked concern among senior clerics and affected the running of the historic building.

The latest figures reveal that seven of Britain's most prestigious cathedrals are currently without permanent deans, including Wells, Rochester and York Minster.

But it is 13th century Salisbury Cathedral that has faced the longest wait, following the retirement of the very reverend Derek Watson 15 months ago.

Newspaper reports earlier this week suggested the pressures involved in running a cathedral are deterring many applicants, while others are put off by high-profile rows and scandals hitting the Church of England.

It was said the delays in recruiting deans are proving a great frustration to the church, although Salisbury's Chapter clerk, Brigadier Kit Owen, is adamant the cathedral has not experienced any difficulties.

"I think this is just press speculation - we have certainly found nothing of that nature in Salisbury," he said.

Deans are formally appointed by the Queen after they are selected from a shortlist by Downing Street.

Last November, an appointment secretary spent three days in the city, meeting applicants and identifying possible candidates.

However, the number of vacancies across the country and the importance of recruiting the most suitable person for the high-profile role has resulted in the long wait.

Mr Owen said the cathedral was awaiting notification of the name of the new dean and there was nothing they could do to accelerate the process.

"In the interim, we have been very fortunate to have Canon June Osborne, the Canon's treasurer, who has been undertaking the role and working with the Chapter and the management to ensure the cathedral is running smoothly," he said.

"Her work should be acknowledged."