Work to repair and refurbish Cromer's sea defences will recommence next week, as the builders move in to secure the town's future for the next 50 years.

It is the second phase of the Cromer Coast Protection Scheme aimed to bolster the town's battered sea defences and resurface the pier promenade.

Almost £4m of work will see builders on the seafront until March, with a break for Christmas and New Year.

'It is extremely important,' said North Norfolk District Council coastal engineer Brian Farrow. 'What it will give Cromer is another 50 years.'

Businesses have been assured that pedestrian access to the pier will remain, and disabled access will be maintained as far as possible.

Clear signs will be installed, directing visitors to alternative routes to the seafront as the work progresses.

Extra work traffic is expected to run down to the sea front with regular concrete deliveries.

Cromer Pier manager Rebecca Wass said while there would be some changes while the work was being carried out, it was great for Cromer to have the seafront area revitalised.

'There will be things we have to be flexible about over this winter but we will have a beautiful prom,' she said.

Miss Wass said there would be a discounted taxi service for the audience of this year's Christmas Show from the centre of town with more information from the box office.

She said: 'A lot of people will be worried about getting down but we are still open and are putting plans in place to make it as easy as possible.'

Work will take place across the seafront at different times and the pier and ramps will be affected from October to March.

Do you have a Cromer story? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk