Fixing flood panels will cost £25,000, says council

The glass panels form a key part of the aesthetic of the pier and help maintain the views of the marina, the authority says

A council said it will spend £25,225 to replace two flood defence panels after they were vandalised.

The glass panels were damaged after being installed in 2023 at Lowestoft South Pier, Suffolk.

East Suffolk Council said the repairs were due to be carried out by Flood Control International on behalf of East Suffolk Council between 17-21 November.

While the works were carried out, the road behind the South Pier amusements would be closed with a diversion in place, the authority added.

Large parts of Lowestoft experienced flooding during a tidal surge in 2013

Mark Packard, a Liberal Democrat councillor and cabinet member for planning and coastal management on the authority, said: "It is a real shame that this vandalism has resulted in such a significant cost to the council and its taxpayers.

"The glass panels form a vital part of the aesthetic of the area, maintaining views across the marina."

He said it was important for the repairs to be completed promptly as the summer period has ended.

"We have judged that it is most important to keep the area tidy, helping to enhance the pier as part of the council's wider seafront vision for Lowestoft," Packard added.

Lowestoft experienced extensive flooding during a large tidal surge in 2013.

A decade later, the glass flood defences continue to work to protect more than 1,500 homes and 800 businesses in the coastal town.