The gables of a historic wall at a popular sports ground have been removed due to "urgent health and safety concerns."

Lowestoft Town Council said the decision to remove the gables on the wall at the Denes Oval - which is home to Lowestoft Town Cricket Club and Lowestoft Town Tennis Club - had been taken following "many years of neglect and lack of maintenance".

But with talks "to preserve the whole wall" under discussion next month, a town council spokesman said: "The Town Council recognises the significance of the wall and its situation within the North Lowestoft Conservation Area.

Lowestoft Journal: The Denes Oval gables that have been removed in Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft Town CouncilThe Denes Oval gables that have been removed in Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft Town Council (Image: Lowestoft Town Council)

"The gables on the Denes Oval wall have had to be removed due to urgent health and safety reasons which have been caused through many years of neglect and lack of maintenance.

"All the components are being stored and will be reused when the wall is repaired in full."

The spokesman added: "Lowestoft Town Council are keen to preserve the whole wall and this will be discussed further at the next Assets, Inclusion and Development Committee meeting on Monday, March 6."