Bungay Castle has been closed to the public due to safety concerns.A bulge has been spotted in the wall of one of the gate towers, and the public will not have access to the ancient castle until repair work can be carried out.

Bungay Castle has been closed to the public due to safety concerns.

A bulge has been spotted in the wall of one of the gate towers, and the public will not have access to the ancient castle until repair work can be carried out.

Builders were brought in this week and put up scaffolding to inspect the problem, before recommending closure for safety reasons. Security fencing has been placed around the tower as a precaution.

Mike Revell, who runs the adjoining castle visitor centre and coffee shop, said the bulge was where repair work had been done some years ago.

He said: "For the time being the castle is closed, though the visitor centre and coffee shop remains open as normal." He said the castle was normally quiet at this time of year, but he was hoping the repair work could be completed by Easter.

The castle, originally built by Hugh Bigod in the 12th century, is managed by the Bungay Castle Trust on behalf of the town. It was given to the town by the Duke of Norfolk 20 years ago. It was damaged by the King's army after Bigod and other wealthy barons rebelled against him, and was rebuilt in 1294 by Roger Bigod.

The twin gate towers and the thick walls of the castle keep are all that remain today.