Fresh calls have been made to reinstate Happisburgh's abandoned beach steps after hazard warning signs were installed at the nearest alternative bathing spot.

Happisburgh resident Stephen Burke said the village's west beach was by far the best for recreation but access had been limited since the access steps had become cut off from the cliff top as a result of coastal erosion.

He said, in contrast, the nearby east beach was easily accessible by ramp but featured numerous hazards, which are highlighted on warning signs recently installed by North Norfolk District Council.

Mr Burke, who is also the vice chairman of North Norfolk labour Party, said: 'The signs show in graphic detail all the hazards around the ramp in the bay and on the cliffs to the east of the steel steps. It looks like a health and safety war zone and will put off many a visitor and damage the local economy.

'The western beach is widely considered to be the best beach for swimming, sunbathing and walking. Why won't the council spend �25,000 on reopening the steps?'

More than 1,200 people have now signed a petition calling for Happisburgh's abandoned beach steps to be reinstated.

The bridge linking the steps to the cliff top was removed by NNDC in May over fears the cliff erosion was approaching the concrete pad which supported the bridge.