BARRIERS have been erected around the Buttercross in Winchester after concerns over safety. The medieval structure on the High Street was due to be cleaned from October 7 but experts today (FRI) spotted one of the finials may be loose, said a city council spokesman. The barriers have been put up to stop anyone sitting on the steps of the monument. The spokesman added: “They have put up barriers immediately to safeguard the public. They will be looking at this issue first as a matter of urgency.” Around ten years ago the Buttercross was damaged by Southampton University students climbing the structure.