Some local people fear the sea front will be spoiled

The one-metre-high structure, which replaces the existing Victorian railings, is part of a two-kilometre scheme designed to protect the resort.

Councillors say the wall is vital to safeguard the 100-year-old Marine Drive, which is at risk from heavy sea.

But many local people are unhappy their view of the town's North and South bays will be obstructed.

Peter Cooper, of the Scarborough Civic Society, said: "We felt there was a balance to be achieved between amenity and the need to preserve the headland - but we still don't feel the balance is right."

Other people in the town feel the sea front should be preserved as it is and have formed a pressure group, Sons of Neptune.

Wall 'essential'

Spokesman Freddy Drabble said: "If you put a wall there, people travelling around in cars can't see the sea.

"Now how can we have a seaside resort with no views? It's criminal."

But Godfrey Allenson, of Scarborough Council, said the average tourist should have no trouble seeing over the wall to appreciate the view of the bay.

"It [the wall] is essential. Because of rising sea levels and greater storm surges, we have to do this now," he added.

"The government has given us this money and it has to last for the next 100 years."

Work on the coastal wall is due to be completed by the end of 2004.