A small section of Deal High Street has been taped off to ensure public safety.

An area beside Lloyds Bank, near South Street, including the hole in the wall has been out of bounds since Sunday, January 8, after a member of the public became concerned that a small section of the building was damaged and could fall onto someone.

Police spokesman Steve Knight said: “The tape was put up for safety reasons.

“It wasn’t the cash machine that was taped off – just the small area around where the building in question was.

“Officers have notified the council.”

Dover District Council spokesman Andy Steele said: “We are aware of this matter, and are satisfied that an area next to the building was taped off to ensure public safety while the building owners arranged to put up scaffolding and carry out repairs to make sure the area remains safe.”