Safety 'urgency' over church turret fall fears

Roads have been shut around a Plymouth church after fears a turret on its tower was in danger of falling.

Emergency services were called to St Peter's Church in Wyndham Square late on Wednesday after concerns about the stability of the turret at the top of the tower. A safety cordon is now in place around the front of the church.

Plymouth City Council said it acted "as a precaution" while building control officers and the Diocese of Exeter assessed the situation.

Despite the disruption, the church remained open using side entrances so services and community work could continue.

Father David Way, vicar at St Peter's Church, said the issue was spotted by chance.

"As I drove into the square I looked up and noticed there was something wrong and realised that it was going to need urgent attention," he said.

Two stones in the turret had shifted, making it unstable, he added.

The damaged section dates back to 1898 and faces strong coastal winds.

"The whole thing which is driving us all the way through this is people's safety," he said.

"You cannot have something like that falling on somebody from that height.

"The urgency now is to make it safe."

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