Groynes which no longer help prevent erosion are being partially removed from a popular Norfolk beach.

Contractors have started taking down some of the concrete structures at Hunstanton when they become exposed by the tides.

It comes after a report that a major new sandbank, which has built up to the east of the town in recent years, has changed the flow of tidal currents along the coast.

Workers remove a concrete plank from the groynes at HunstantonWorkers remove a concrete plank from the groynes at Hunstanton (Image: Chris Bishop) A spokesman for West Norfolk council, which manages the beach, said: "What is currently taking place is scheduled work on concrete groynes located along the Hunstanton sea defence frontage.

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Some planks have already been taken down from the groynesSome planks have already been taken down from the groynes (Image: Chris Bishop) "This involves removing some of the horizontal concrete planks from these groynes. Once removed, these planks will not be reinstated.

"A report commissioned by the borough council and Environment Agency in 2021 concluded that there is limited benefit in further repair or modification of the groynes, as this would not improve beach material retention due to an absence of fresh beach material supply."

Part of the beach has been cordoned off around the area where the work is taking place.

Parts of the concrete groynes are being removed from the beach at HunstantonParts of the concrete groynes are being removed from the beach at Hunstanton (Image: Chris Bishop) A telehandler and dump truck are being used to remove the concrete.

The report indicates the groynes, which date back to the 1950s, had become "ineffective" because they no longer trapped material moved along the beach by longshore drift.

It said a large sandbank which had grown between Holme-next-the-Sea and Old Hunstanton was blocking fresh sediment from reaching Hunstanton.

Contractors start work on a Groyne as the Wash Monster sails past in the distanceContractors start work on a groyne as the Wash Monster sails past in the distance (Image: Chris Bishop) Instead of moving along the beach parallel with the shoreline, sediment is now moved up and down the beach by incoming and outgoing tides.

Groynes cannot trap or retain beach material which is moved via so-called cross-shore movement, which now occurs at Hunstanton.

Work removing the concrete planks is expected to be completed by Friday.