Rochester Castle temporarily closed for repairs

Rochester Castle in Kent has temporarily closed for health and safety reasons, it has been announced.

Medway Council said it needed to repair the staircase leading up to the top of the nearly 900-year-old castle because part of a step had "broken away".

"Although it is rare, issues like this can happen to buildings of this age," the council said.

Specialist repairs are to be carried out as soon as possible, the authority added.

Historic England, which manages the castle along with the council, said the "imposing fortress has a complex history of destruction and rebuilding".

"It stands as a proud reminder of the history of Rochester, along with the cathedral and cobbled streets," it added.

Medway Council said that the closure – which began on Sunday – was required as the staircase was the only route to the top of the castle.

"In the meantime, we have proactively contacted any groups that have pre-booked a visit and are exploring the possibility of re-opening the ground floor level at a reduced capacity, so visitors can still see inside the keep," it added.

Rochester Castle's coin striking event is to still go ahead on 20 and 21 June.

But Medway Council said that it would now be in Tower 2, accessible from the castle grounds.

It added that the castle, built in 1127, was expected to be fully reopened to visitors from 1 July.

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