KEY parts of The Friars at Aylesford could soon be out of bounds unless crucial restoration work is carried out. Structural surveys have focused concern on the safety of a large building overlooking the courtyard and the shrine.

The priory's architects are warning that if repairs are not carried out by Easter parts of the courtyard and the main piazza in front of the shrine could become unsafe for visitors. Repairs to the building, which includes the priory's reception area, have been set at £100,000. The bill comes on top of £1million to fund other restoration projects throughout the complex.

Central to the project is restoration of the Grade One listed 15th century gatehouse, which is subsiding. The gatehouse, home to a group of religious women, has been propped up by scaffolding since the collapse a few months ago of a stretch of nearby wall, also dating back to the 15th century.

Meanwhile, English Heritage has yet to decide an application for funds, which would be matched by the proceeds of the priory's restoration appeal launched in February.

Confidence is growing that the conservation body will award a weighty sum after representatives from the organisation said they would link the gatehouse restoration with the repair of the wall. They said they were impressed by The Friars' initiatives to raise funds.

Last month, the Prince of Wales gave a "sizeable" donation to help fund the repairs but asked that the exact figure be kept confidential. After examining the buildings overlooking the courtyard, the priory's architects - John Bailey, Thomas Ford and Partners - expressed particular concern about a gable and a chimney stack.

In a meeting with the prior of The Friars, Fr Wilfrid McGreal, Mr Bailey said that age-old repairs to the building were wearing thin - a problem magnified by recent storms.

After the meeting, on Wednesday(10), Fr McGreal said: "We must go for it and not waste any time trying to raise the funds. We just hope that we will be able to find the money to pay the bills."