Damage has been caused to sea defences at a coastal village near Great Yarmouth amid high tides and strong winds battering shorelines.

The gabions at Scratby have been damaged and are being closely monitored with people advised to take care if they go near them.

Coast defence experts will also be undertaking a structural assessment of the gabions, which are rock-filled cages.

They were installed in a £600,000 community-led scheme spearheaded by the Scratby and California Environment Group (SCEG).

Eastern Daily Press: The gabions at Scratby Picture: Peter FordThe gabions at Scratby Picture: Peter Ford (Image: Peter Ford)

They were laid in 2015 and at 877m long were designed to protect 35 homes over 25 years.

it comes as nearby Hemsby has felt the full force of Mother Nature with homes being lost to erosion due to high tides and strong winds.

Coastal Partnership East, the coastal management team for Great Yarmouth Borough Council, says it is aware of the damage to the gabions at Scratby and they are being closely monitored.

A spokesman said: "At this present time the gabions are still providing valuable protection and there are no plans to remove them.

"A structural assessment of the gabions will be undertaken to assess potential options.

"Signage warning people of the potential hazards is in place along with fencing to deter people from accessing the beach here.

"Great Yarmouth Borough Council would strongly advise people to take care in this area and to avoid walking next to any damaged defences.’’

A statement on Ormesby St Margaret with Scratby Parish Council's website said: "Just to inform you that considerable damage occurred to the sea defences at Scratby."

A 100m stretch of gabions at Scratby was damaged overnight on March 31/April 1 in 2022 when high tides and gales battered the coast.

Repairs were also carried out in 2018 following the "Beast from the East".