A £250,000 revamp designed to transform a neglected green space off Hunstanton's High Street into a vibrant new heart of the town ready for Christmas has been delayed.

The Spinney – a triangular island at the junction of Westgate and St Edmund's Terrace – was set to become an 'attractive focal point for the town centre' ready for the festive season.

However, although pedestrian improvement works around the Spinney area, near to the town's bus station, are well under way, work on the circular performance area for market stalls and outdoor events has been held up due to a delay in specialist slabs being delivered.

Alistair Beales, cabinet member for regeneration at West Norfolk Borough Council (WNBC), said: 'It's disappointing that this particular element of the scheme won't be finished in time for Christmas.

'Rather than compromise the scheme or have works extend in the pre-Christmas period, we have taken the decision to close down the site and remove all contractors' equipment.

'We know how important this period is to traders, so an electricity supply will be made available to enable the Christmas tree to be put up in the Spinney.

'Festive lighting will be in place around the High Street to encourage shoppers into the area.'

The delay means the work, which started in September and was due to last 12 weeks, will now not start again until the new year.

Norfolk County Council engineer Quentin Brogdale said: 'We are making every possible effort to reduce any disruption.'