LONG-AWAITED repairs to Southwold's harbour wall have been hit by further delays after a decision by Waveney District Council to survey the river bed.

It was initially hoped work would start at the beginning of last month, which was already three months later than planned.

However, the start of the �3.2m project has been delayed until March 1 after the council began surveying the area around the River Blyth to make sure repairs could be completed within budget.

A Waveney spokesman said: 'The work was due to begin last month but it has been delayed because we have taken the opportunity to carry out a more detailed survey of the river bed and surrounding area to ensure that the works carried out can be completed with more certainty and within existing budgets – and as far as possible to ensure the long-term future of the harbour wall.

'The nature and scale of the works have been adapted to take account of our increased knowledge and the contractor will start on site on March 1.'

Once started, the �3.2m harbour regeneration will see repairs carried out on the crumbling North Dock wall and improved facilities provided for local fishermen, including new moorings, a refrigeration area and ice-making machines, a new crane to lift boxes from boats, electricity hook-ups, a diesel store, and CCTV.