ROCHESTER Castle keep has been closed to the public following a routine inspection by English Heritage.

The castle was temporarily shut this morning for a conditional examination of the structure but the surveyor found loose stones at the top.

The decision was taken to keep the castle closed and a two-metre fence was erected to prevent people getting too close.

Kathy Wadsworth, assistant director for economic development at Medway Council, described the closure as a "precaution" until a further English Heritage inspection is carried out towards the end of next week.

She said: "It may be that we will have to take remedial action and put some sort of temporary solution in place."

The castle grounds are not affected and will remain open to the public.

The council wants to reopen the castle as soon as possible, but it is unable to specify a date until next week's second survey has been completed.

However, the council said the Dickensian Christmas Festival, scheduled for the first weekend in December, will go ahead as planned.