The Olympic rings sculpture on Portland has been sealed off following concerns that it might topple over.

A wooden fence has been installed around the rings and a sign has been placed on the structure saying: “Keep off unstable structure which may topple”.

Albion Stone created the sculpture to celebrate the London 2012 Summer Olympics with the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy hosting the sailing events.

However, the company’s director says that the number of people climbing on the structure has raised concerns over its safety, and that it could topple over.

Tony Porter, Operations Director of Albion Stone, said: “This sculpture was originally created to celebrate the Olympic legacy with it first being placed at the train station, and then moved to its current location to compliment the magnificent view on Portland.

“They were not intended to be climbed on when they were designed. Therefore, there is a significant risk of toppling if they continue to be loosened by excessive use in this way. We are very willing to work with the council, hoping that a low impact solution can be found.”

Following these concerns, a structural engineer was commissioned to undertake a safety report.

Cllr Paul Kimber, ward member for Underhill, said: “Despite the signs in place asking the public not to climb on the stones to take photos, we are aware that some individuals continue to do so. Given the concerns raised to us we have to act in the interests of public safety. In order to get a comprehensive understanding of the issue, we commissioned a structural engineer to assess the stability of the sculpture.”

Cllr Sandy West said she is disappointed that people have been climbing the sculpture.

She said: “You wouldn’t go to London and climb all over Nelson’s Column. This is Portland’s bit of Olympic legacy and it needs respecting.

“If it isn’t respected then it will end up like Mandeville the Paralympic Statue and be taken away.”

The structural engineer’s report concluded that “Ground conditions are good with no obvious sign of instability near the structure or in the general area, the stone plinth is complete and not showing any signs of stress and the rings appear to be as near vertical as possible. [The concerns] relate to potential toppling / structural integrity as a result of people clambering over it. In this respect, the rings look extremely vulnerable if clambered on and it would do serious harm if to fall on someone.”

A spokesman for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said: “We continue to look at a solution in partnership with Albion Stone and hope to have this completed as soon as possible.”