A prominent town flagpole could be for the chop - unless someone comes forward to repair or maintain it in the next year.

Cromer Town Council has decided to set a 12-month deadline for individuals or organisations to step into the breach to rescue the flagpole that stands outside the parish church on Church Street.

The pole was given to the council by North Norfolk District Council, but has not been used for a number of years because of the need for repairs to the halyard and shackles.

Town councillors baulked at the £900 cost of repairs, and the estimated £600-800 to remove it, having recently spent £3,500 on the flagpole outside the council office.

Town clerk Julie Chance said she had asked Waitrose at North Walsham to put the project on its list of local causes.

The store firm had added it to the list, but it could take a number of years to reach the top, she said.

A previous appeal for help had garnered just two replies.

Mrs Chance said: 'Members have agreed to put it on hold for a year, giving people a chance to come forward with ideas for fudning or to look after it.

'If nothing happens, it will be taken down after the year has passed.'

? If you can offer your assistance, contact Mrs Chance on 01263 512254.