The closure of a popular boardwalk along the Norfolk Coastal Path will be "longer than originally planned" due to its "rapid deterioration".

More than a mile of the footpath in Brancaster, between Harbour Way and Butchers Drove, will be closed "long-term".

It comes after an emergency closure was put in place back in November due to health and safety fears.

Repair works had been due to start earlier this year but now Norfolk County Council has said a full replacement of the boardwalk will be needed. 

A council spokesman said: "The National Trails officers have been regularly monitoring the condition of the boardwalk while planning the maintenance work.

"However, the deterioration escalated rapidly to a point where the work that was originally planned would not be sufficient to keep the boardwalk safe and functioning.

"We have therefore had to take the difficult decision to close the boardwalk long-term on health and safety grounds while we seek funding for a full boardwalk replacement or equivalent works."

The site sits within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the North Norfolk Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Due to this, the council says it may need to obtain a European Protected Species (EPS) licence to protect habitats through the course of the work.

The spokesman added: "We are looking at the feasibility of different options which will take into consideration the long-term sustainability of the route, the sensitivity of the wildlife and the cost and time needed to complete the work.

"We will be consulting with the landowner and other organisations to ensure the relevant permissions are sought.

"Thank you for your patience while the planning for this section of the Coast Path is under way."

While this section of the Coast Path is closed the existing diversion route will remain in place along footpaths, pavements and quiet country lanes.

Barriers and signage will be placed across the boardwalk at the main entry points.