There are fears a high street bank's 'leaning' chimney stacks are putting the public in danger of falling bricks.

A planning application has been submitted to reduce the height of three stacks above NatWest in Tenterden.

The application, submitted by Oswick's Architectural Services, cites the reason for the work being "excessive height and risk of falling masonry".

The 18th century building houses the bank on its ground floor, with residential flats above.

It is surrounded by Grade II-listed buildings on either side, one of which is being used by popular Italian restaurant Prezzo.

While the application says that "structural movement is being exhibited to all five stacks", it highlights three stacks at the front of the building that are visibly leaning.

The application refers to the stacks as being "generally in poor condition, with significant lean visible", and recommends work as soon as possible to "safeguard the building fabric and occupants".

Oswicks says it wants to undertake the work in a "sympathetic way", and that locally sourced and specialist contractors will be appointed to take the job on.

The consultation for the application is due to end on Friday, July 24, with the council to make a decision after that date.

Read more: All the latest news from Tenterden