The delivery of 43 beach huts near Great Yarmouth's Venetian Waterways has been delayed due to "unforeseen circumstances," the borough council has said.

Plans were announced in March 2022 for dozens of beach huts to be bought and rented along one of the busiest sections of the promenade following the success of a similar scheme in Gorleston.

Groundworks and the conversion of a nearby amenity block by the North Drive car park began in January with the 43 huts expected to be open in May.

Three months later, there is still no sign of when the beach hut project will be completed.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council said the challenging economic climate had stalled the scheme. The council is trying to get a deal with a new contractor before announcing a revised completion date.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The area inside the North Drive car park remains fenced off while the delivery of 43 beach huts is expected. Picture - James WeedsThe area inside the North Drive car park remains fenced off while the delivery of 43 beach huts is expected. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

A council spokesperson said: "Work on the completion of the 43 beach huts close to the Venetian Waterways on the seafront in Great Yarmouth has unfortunately been delayed.

"While the groundworks and amenity block have been finished, the delivery of the beach huts has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. 

"A new completion date will be announced once arrangements with another contractor are finalised. The challenging economic environment is impacting many construction projects nationwide which means timeframes for works sometimes need to be adjusted.

"Any delay is disappointing, but in order to make sure the huts are the very best they can be for visitors and residents, pushing back the completion date is the most sensible course of action."

While the groundworks are complete at the site, the area remains fenced off while the council waits for the beach huts to be delivered.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Ten beach huts being installed at Gorleston promenade in 2021. Picture - SubmittedTen beach huts being installed at Gorleston promenade in 2021. Picture - Submitted (Image: submitted)

The £450,000 scheme follows the success of the 70 beach huts built on Gorleston's lower prom.

At the time of writing, the Visit Great Yarmouth website contains no information about prices for the beach huts in Great Yarmouth.

However, the Gorleston cabins are listed for an annual hire of £2,079.50.