(ANSA) - ROME, APR 24 - Pieces of reinforced concrete have started to crumble away from the top of the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, local newspaper Il Gazzettino reported on Wednesday.

Workers from Smith Bell and Clock remove the bells from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert. The company has since closed, leaving church officials scrambling to get the work completed.

St Mark's bell tower is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. with the last entry given at 8:45 p.m. In cases of severe weather, such as fog, strong wind and bitter cold, the tower will be closed.