Work at a landmark in Gorleston that was damaged in a landslip has been delayed.

The closure of White Lion Steps, Cliff Hill and Beach Road will now continue until September 20.

The area was due to reopen on Friday, September 6 - but Norfolk County Council said additional time is required to safely reroute the nearby water main and to carry out other tasks related to underground utilities. 

County Hall apologised for any inconvenience caused. Residents will continue to have access to their homes during the extended closure. 

The purpose of the works is to restore and fully reopen White Lion Steps to the public. 

The White Lion Steps after the landslip in April 2012.The White Lion Steps after the landslip in April 2012. (Image: James Bass)

The steps, which connect Cliff Hill and Beach Road, have been partially blocked for several years due to a landslip in April 2012.

The restoration work will involve rebuilding the collapsed retaining wall, relocating a water main, and re-opening the steps to the public. 

The White Lion Steps - which run from Cliff Hill to Beach Road - have been a prominent feature in the area, along with Admiral Duncan's waterpipe, since the Napoleonic Wars.

However, the steps have been in a state of disrepair following the landslip which narrowly missed a 12-year-old boy.

Several diversion routes will remain in place until the work is finished.

Traffic in Beach Road, at the bottom of the steps, is being diverted via Pier Walk, Quay Road, and Pier Gardens.

Drivers in Cliff Hill and Upper Cliff Road, at the top of the steps, is diverted via Avondale Road, Lowestoft Road, Lower Cliff Road and Cliff Hill.

A pedestrian diversion near White Lion Steps is via Beach Road, Pier Gardens, Lower Esplanade and the steps leading up to Cliff Hill.

The restoration work, estimated to cost £600,000, will be carried out by Norfolk County Council’s community and environmental services department and their contractors.