RAILINGS could be installed around the base of monastic ruins in Christchurch to stop children climbing on them.

A planning application has been submitted to Christchurch Borough Council by the Parochial Church Council at the Priory Church.

If approved, the scheme would see a fence put in around the base of the ruins "to help prevent visitors, particularly children, from climbing the ruin".

The monastic ruins stand within the grounds of the Priory Church and Priory House, the southern portion of the pre-conquest monastery, early Christian cemetery and Augustinian priory.

Archaeological observations suggest the structure is late monastic in origin and was part of a larger structure, a report to the council states.

It is suggested an "archaeological watching brief" is set-up during the installation.

Residents are able to make comments until September 1.