Barriers have been erected around the concrete butterfly shelters next to the Green in Hunstanton, ahead of their removal and potential replacement.

The concrete has deteriorated since a survey last year found the shelters needed to be closed when periods of high winds were predicted.

Elizabeth Nockolds, West Norfolk Council's cabinet member for culture, heritage and health, said: 'It's a shame we have to do this at this time of year, but ultimately we have to take our duty of care seriously.

'The shelters are quite iconic in Hunstanton and have always been fairly well used.

'However, they have deteriorated over the years, and now we have no choice but to cordon off the area with a view to eventually taking down the shelters and potentially replacing them.'

If a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to remove and replace the shelters is successful, work will take place over the winter, and they would reopen in late spring.