Traders 'concerned' by major seafront repairs

Hunstanton's promenade attracts thousands of visitors each year

Traders in a seaside resort said they feared tourists could be put off by major repairs planned for its promenade.

Officials have said "multiple millions" will be needed to repair the prom and sea defences at Hunstanton, Norfolk, with work expected to take more than two years.

"There's no question that closing sections of the promenade will stop people coming here – it's very concerning," said kiosk-owner Glenn Dickerson.

King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council said it "understood" the concerns and it would be talking to businesses as its plans developed.

Last week, the authority said coastal erosion had led to the beach dropping, meaning parts of the sea wall's foundations had become exposed and damaged.

It also revealed that more than 300 of the large concrete slabs on the promenade could need replacing.

Whilst it said the prom remained safe for visitors, work would need to take place as "collapse" was a possibility in the future.

Urte Shuardson said she wanted to know more about what the work would mean for traders

The news has caused concern for traders who operate on the front.

Urte Shuardson – who runs three stalls with her husband – said the prom "definitely needs work".

But she said details from the council had been limited and added: "We've just been handed a letter which didn't say much about what will be happening to us, which is a little bit scary."

Glenn Dickerson said it was "very concerning" that tourists could be put off visiting the promenade

"Clearly it needs to be done," said Glenn Dickerson, whose business sells hot food.

However, he also felt there had been a lack of "transparency" about the plans and was worried work would take longer than the council had suggested.

He added: "The whole town will be affected by it. It's a quaint Victorian seaside town, and the promenade is a major feature of it.

"A period of consultation with traders [is needed] – not just on the promenade – but in the town itself so that we have a thorough understanding of what's going on."

Edward Scotter said the promenade needed "a refresh and a revamp"

Businesses on the prom rely on trade during the warmer months, and stallholder Michael Parkin said he hoped work would take place in the winter.

"You're not going to want to... [bring] your children when there's diggers and what have you," he said

But Edward Scarrott, who sells doughnuts and ice cream, thought the proposals were "a brilliant idea" with the prom looking "tatty and dirty".

"Obviously, it's doing the right thing for the town with the sea defences because they're sinking," he said.

He was not worried by how long the work might take and added: "This is England. Councils take a long time to do everything, don't they?"

With sand being washed away by changing tides, the metal foundations of parts of the seawall have become exposed and more vulnerable

The council - which is run by the Independent Partnership - said it will take up to 18 months to draw up plans for the work, and it will also need to seek government funding.

"As we understand it, the prom will not be closed off completely at any point," said Sandra Squire, cabinet member for environment and coastal.

"It will be done in sections. We will be able to move traders while that section is being done."

The authority's environmental health manager, Dave Robson, said he recognised traders' concerns and "people may be put off coming to Hunstanton".

"We haven't got much more information at the moment, but we will engage with the community as we move forward with this process."