CLACTON’S 100-year-old Venetian Bridge requires “significant repairs” to be carried out, it has been revealed.

Emergency scaffolding was put in place as a precautionary measure last summer after a small piece of facade came away.

But new tests have revealed the top deck of the bridge is not waterproof and this has resulted in moisture getting in and eating away at the structure.

Tendring Council said it has happened over a period of time and the reinforcements are now badly corroded.

Nigel Brown, the council’s communications manager, said it was hoped any work required could be undertaken in time for this season, but that temporary supports will now need to remain in place throughout the summer until a long term solution is found.

“Taking on such major repairs during the summer season would mean serious disruption and closing off the road down to Clacton Pier for a lengthy time - and that is not an option,” he said.

“Once the Council has a copy of the final report it will be in a position to come up with a design and take things forward.”

Mr Brown said the council is looking into whether it can replace the existing support tower with something which does not take up so much space.

Currently one carriageway of Pier Gap is still open to traffic with a 3.5 metre height restriction.

The Venetian Bridge was built in 1914 as part of a revamp of the area around Clacton Pier.

It is an important landmark in the town and some repairs were carried out in 1999 and 2000 as part of a facelift for the seafront and gardens.