Building material that was earmarked for a multi-million pound council complex in Suffolk will now be used to repair a crumbling harbour wall.

The major refurbishment of Southwold Harbour, due to begin in autumn, was given the final go ahead this week when Waveney District Council pledged to commit �2.4m to the �3.6m project.

The work, long campaigned for by local authorities and harbour-users, had already secured �1.2m funding from Marine Management Organisation, European Fisheries Fund Bid.

Waveney has also revealed it will use steel sheet piles that were originally purchased for the now abandoned Waveney Campus Project for the harbour renovation.

Council leader Colin Law said: 'Trying to marry up the twin demands of necessary works and available funds has been one of the toughest tasks we have ever faced. I'm grateful for the support of user groups such as the Southwold Harbour Trust who are determined to see the best outcome but also understand the pressures and difficulties we have faced.

'No stone was left unturned in our efforts and with the council now in a healthier financial position we can proceed with both relief and pride.'

The steel piles are not only suitable for the harbour project but are actually of a higher specification than those required.

At a value of �400,000, their inclusion has helped to ensure that overall project costs fall within the available budget.

Speaking on behalf of the Southwold Harbour Trust comprising of local site users, Alan Davies said: 'The safeguarding of the harbour and its associated facilities is a pre-requisite to the setting-up of the trust.

'The objective of this new trust will be to take-over both the ownership and management of the harbour for the benefit of the local community and generations to come.

'It is a milestone in Southwold's harbours planned regeneration by the trust once it is established'