Shifting sands have thrown a spanner into a �5m project to breathe fresh life into the Great Yarmouth' seafront.Three years ago, new raised pedestrian crossings and road surface work were completed on Marine Parade.

Shifting sands have thrown a spanner into a �5m project to breathe fresh life into the Great Yarmouth' seafront.

Three years ago, new raised pedestrian crossings and road surface work were completed on Marine Parade.

But from Monday, engineers will be repairing the crossings and roads in time for the main holiday season because of the amount of wear and tear they have suffered.

It is thought that the uneven and soft sand below the new structures, which are part of a highly successful major seafront regeneration project, is causing the problem.

Engineers from May Gurney will be repairing carriageways, so-called pedestrian table crossings and the main crossing opposite Britannia Pier in time for the spring bank holiday. The work will cost about �30,000. However, further work may have to be carried out later in the year

Norfolk County Council has been unable to find the exact cause of the damage but cites poor ground conditions as a possible reason.

The authority also defended the original work by saying it had been carried out to higher then specified standards and had been closely supervised.

Nick Tupper, area manager for planning and transportation, said: “It is disappointing that these problems have only appeared three years after construction.

“We had hoped our investigations would explain what had gone wrong and help us make permanent repairs. Unfortunately, our laboratory has still not been able to pinpoint a cause - although they have ruled out faulty materials.