The vicar of an Anglican church in Plymouth has apologised to parishioners for the inconvenience after a safety cordon was erected around the building.

Roads have also been closed around St Peter the Apostle in Wyndham Square after fears that some 19th-century masonry in its tower is in danger of falling. The situation is being assessed by Plymouth City Council and the Diocese of Exeter, and in a video posted on Facebook, the church's vicar, Fr David Way, said while nothing had happened to compromise anybody's safety, no matter what the inconvenience is, we have to keep people safe".

He said he had consulted the police and fire brigade as well as the council over the issue, adding, "We are going to do everything we can to get the stone secured or taken down as soon as possible".

The church, which is described as Anglo Catholic, will remain open while work is carried out, with access via side entrances.