A popular castle which has been closed for more than a year is unlikely to reopen in time for this summer's tourist season.Bungay's 900-year-old Bigod castle has been closed to the public since March last year after one of the fate tower walls was found to be damaged.

A castle which has been closed for more than a year is unlikely to reopen in time for this summer's tourist season.

Bungay's 900-year-old Bigod castle has been closed to the public since March last year after one of the tower walls was found to be damaged.

It was due to reopen last summer, but further problems have now been discovered and there is no definite date for it to reopen.

Colin Hancy, chairman of the castle trust, said: “The structural problems are more severe than we first realised. At the moment we are talking to the firm that is doing the repair work and English Heritage to look for a way forward.”

The work has been set back by a lack of funds and progress slowed during the winter months. Slow-drying lime mortar has to be used on the castle instead of quick-drying cement, which means that the repairs are subject to weather conditions.

The adjoining castle visitor centre and café are still open for business.