A project to restore a section of a flagship footpath through the Norfolk Broads has stalled after bad weather caused more damage to several decaying bridges.

The Wherryman's Way has been shut for neary a decade at the point it passes through Hardley Flood, a nature reserve near Loddon.

This was set to change this year after plans to repair two unsafe river crossings were approved.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: One of the bridges to be repairedOne of the bridges to be repaired (Image: Broads Authority)

READ MORE: Norfolk Broads footpaths disappearing due to flooding and erosion

However, a combination of high water levels and strong tides has meant these two bridges on the River Chet and the tidal lagoon and reedbeds of Hardley Flood now need to be replaced fully.

Two other bridges on the eastern side also need to be replaced.

READ MORE: Riverside footpath revamp gets £287k boost

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Engineers inspect one of the bridges along the Wherryman's Way at Hardley FloodEngineers inspect one of the bridges along the Wherryman's Way at Hardley Flood (Image: Broads Authority)

Norfolk County Council (NCC) now needs to find more funding for the project.

A spokesman for NCC said: “The exceptionally wet weather over the last two years and the strong tidal pull has accelerated the deterioration of the two bridges on the west side of Hardley Flood.

READ MORE: Villagers cut off by footpath closure

Hardley Flood in LoddonHardley Flood in Loddon (Image: Newsquest)

"This means that they will need to be fully replaced, alongside the replacement of the two bridges on the east side of Hardley Flood.

"These conditions have also resulted in the erosion of nearby banks which has altered the ground conditions."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: A map of the Wherryman's Way route at Hardley FloodA map of the Wherryman's Way route at Hardley Flood (Image: Broads Authority)

WHERRYMAN'S WIGGLE

The 37.5-mile walking route runs along the banks of Breydon Water and the River Yare all the way between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

Close to the mouth of the Chet stands Hardley Cross, a stone monument which traditionally marked the boundary of jurisdiction between Norwich and Great Yarmouth.

For almost 10 years, hikers have faced a lengthy diversion at Hadley Flood due to the closure.

Walkers must head 3.5 miles along its meandering course up to the town of Loddon, before returning on the opposite bank back to the Yare.

It was shut by Norfolk County Council in 2015 after the bridges became eroded and unsafe, prompting anger from locals.

The flow of water between the two can be very fast and heavy, making the route completely impassable without the bridges.