A 'complete site closure' has been enforced following the collapse of a church roof in Bollington.

Emergency services were called to the scene after a large section of the roof of St John's Church came crashing down on Saturday, August 22.

Cheshire East Council have since visited and decided to extend the cordon around the building, restricting access to the entire site to ensure the safety of the public.

The council has also ordered the owner to carry out a survey of the building.

Councillor Mick Warren, cabinet member for planning, housing and regeneration, said: "Cheshire East Council's building control team first attended St John's Church in Bollington in July following reports of fallen masonry. A safety cordon was put in place around affected areas of the building.

"Following a further report from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service on August 22 regarding a partial roof collapse and additional fallen masonry, officers revisited the site and requested that the existing cordon be widened with immediate effect to restrict access to the site as a whole.

"The safety measures have been put in place to protect members of the public while the condition of the building is assessed. The owner has been asked to appoint a structural engineer to carry out a full appraisal of the building.

"St John's Church is a listed building and the council's specialist heritage officers are also involved in discussions regarding the site."

Entrepreneur Mark Simpkin purchased the church over a decade ago.

He currently has an application in to convert the property into 13 apartments.

"I know a lot of people in Bollington have been incredibly supportive, and I'm grateful for that," Mr Simpkin said.

"Thank you for bearing with me and be reassured that me and my two sons are very committed to this project."

READ MORE: Church owner remains 'very committed' to transformation despite roof collapse

Following the collapse on Saturday, warning signs have been placed on the railings, instructing people not to enter the site.

They read: "The building may be structurally unstable and liable to further collapse.

"No person is permitted to enter or approach the building until it has been assessed and declared safe by a competent structural engineer.

"Keep children and other away.

"Do not remove this sign or cross any barriers."