It is one of the region's most recognisable attractions, with an impressive view, a popular Christmas show and even a starring role in the Alan Partridge film.

North Norfolk News: Steelwork beneath Cromer Pier could be repaired in a £400,000 project Picture: Nick ButcherSteelwork beneath Cromer Pier could be repaired in a £400,000 project Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2018)

Now, Cromer Pier is in line for £400,000 of investment, with North Norfolk District Council recommended to fund crucial repairs to the attraction.

The works, which will see the underneath of the pier strengthened, would aim to be completed ahead of an already planned project to improve the theatre roof.

The roof project, costing £275,000 itself, is scheduled to begin in early 2019, ahead of the theatre's new calendar of shows, which get under way in March.

A spokesman for North Norfolk District Council said the investment would provide the groundworks needed for the roof repairs to be carried out.

If approved, the works would be carried out to the steelwork underneath the theatre area of the pier, to maximise stability during the roof repairs.

A report to be considered by the council's cabinet on Monday states the aim would be for the works to be completed before January 2019, to allow the roof works to be carried out as planning.

Council officers have recommended that the work by carried out by UK Industrial Services, the same company who working on renovating the pier following storm surges in 2013 and 2017.

The report says: 'Due to both the timescales and the specialist nature of these works, officers are recommending that a direct appointment is made to the UK Industrial Services.

'They operate by rope access as opposed to using scaffolding erected underneath the pier, which can be extremely costly and is vulnerable to damage from winter storms.'

Cabinet members will decide on Monday whether to push forward with the project, though there is also an option for them to defer to works until next year.

However, officers say this option would also mean delaying the roof works, which would not be able to be completed until 2020.

The report adds: 'It isn't case of if these works [the theatre roof repairs] are undertaken, but when, so there is little point in delaying them.'