Timescale for promenade repair yet to be confirmed

A timescale to repair a partially collapsed sea wall is yet to be confirmed as investigation works get underway.

Two rectangular-shaped sections of the seafront walkway in Southwold, Suffolk, fell inward due to erosion and stormy weather in December.

East Suffolk Council's contractor will carry out surveys to ensure there was not any unexploded ordnance, or obstructions, in the area from 20 January for two weeks, ahead of repair works.

Mark Packard, cabinet member for planning and coastal management, said the area would be cordoned off until repairs were completed.

A timescale for when the repairs will take place will be confirmed later this month, the council said.

The authority, as well as its maintenance contractor, Water Management Alliance, carried out ground investigation work along the length of the promenade, north of Southwold Pier this week.

"These investigations will enable our coastal management team to progress the repairs to the sea wall and promenade north of the pier," Mr Packard said.

"Repairs to the 'toe' of the sea wall were scheduled for later this year however, following the promenade collapse last month, these works now need to be brought forward as quickly as possible."

He reminded residents to "take care" in the area while it was closed off.

The council also warned that machinery could be moved between the beach and the promenade.

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