Minster safe to reopen after loose stone removed

Hull Minster has been deemed safe to reopen after part of its roof became loose at the weekend.

The area around the Grade I listed building was partially closed on Saturday afternoon after concerns were raised by a member of the public.

Firefighters said they removed part of a damaged finial - a stonework ornament - which was 32ft (10m) above ground.

In an update on Tuesday, a church spokesperson said: "Today, our architect and stonemason inspected the site of the broken pinnacle and the rest of the northern roof's edge. We have now been advised that the site is safe."

Heritage manager James Cameron said: "I want to thank those responsible for the safe removal of the stonework over the weekend.

"Without their decisive actions, we could have been writing a very different update today."

Officials described the damaged pinnacle as "an unfortunate consequence" of buildings as old as Hull Minster, which last year celebrated its 600th anniversary, with a survey finding "no major issues with the fabric of the building".

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