An eyesore derelict barge which has become a fire hazard is set to be removed from a town's waterfront

The Tosca barge will be removed from its berth next to the Boal Quay car park in King's Lynn next week.

The derelict vessel has been set on fire a number of times since it was abandoned after the 2013 storm surge.

Eastern Daily Press: Emergency services at a fire on board the Tosca barge in King's LynnEmergency services at a fire on board the Tosca barge in King's Lynn (Image: Chris Bishop)West Norfolk council’s cabinet member for property and corporate services, Bal Anota, said: “Like many I am sorry that the Tosca barge, which has become something of a local landmark, must go.

“With repeated attempts to set it on fire having damaged the structure, it is now a safety hazard.

Eastern Daily Press: A map showing (in pink) the footpath which will be closed off while the Tosca is being dismantledA map showing (in pink) the footpath which will be closed off while the Tosca is being dismantled (Image: Google/BCKLWN)"Having assessed its condition we have reluctantly reached the conclusion that the only safe option is to remove it as we know children are playing on what has become an unsafe barge.”

The work is expected to take around eight weeks. Part of the footpath which runs along the car park will be closed while it is under way.