St Paul's Cathedral under threat as Occupy London camp in the churchyard gets bigger

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One of London's most iconic attractions may be forced to close its doors to tourists over safety fears from the growing anti-capitalist camp outside its main entrance.

Activists began occupying the churchyard at St Paul's Cathedral on Saturday and Rev Dr Giles Fraser, while not backing the action, had said he supported the democratic right to protest.

But as the Occupy London Stock Exchange encampment grows, the cathedral has been forced to issue a statement saying it is unsure whether it will still be able to welcome the thousands of visitors that pass through its doors every week.

Under threat: St Paul's Cathedral may have to close its doors as the protest camp in its churchyard grows

Church authorities have asked the protesters to move on and a spokesperson said the camp is a 'risk to the life of the cathedral'.

The St Paul's restaurant has seen a severe drop-off in customers and the gift shop has had to close its external doors due to the tents outside, meaning it is missing out on passing trade.

A statement released by the Dean and Chapter said: 'St Paul's Cathedral stated on Monday that it was still trying to provide worship and welcome to all in spite of the presence of the protest camp in the churchyard.

'St Paul's asked everyone to respect this need and to acknowledge the risk to the life of the cathedral posed by the current situation. The cathedral has managed so far to remain open on a reduced basis.'

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However, the statement also acknowledged that 'the increased scale and nature of the protest camp is such that to act safely and responsibly the cathedral must now review the extent to which it can remain open for the many thousands coming this week as worshippers, visitors and in school parties.

'Is it now time for the protest camp to leave? The consequences of a decision to close St Paul's cannot be taken lightly.'

The 17th Century cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is still used by many as a place of worship and also attracts visitors from all over the world as well as welcoming thousands of school groups.

Around 1.9 million visitors a year pass through its doors and it is listed as one of the UK's top ten attractions.

Protests inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York took place all over the world at the weekend and led to violence in Rome.