A scheme to replace railings around Scarborough's famous Marine Drive with a sea wall has been criticised by conservationists.

The project is part of a multi-million pound sea defence scheme planned by Scarborough Borough Council to safeguard the century old drive and the 750 year-old harbour and piers.

But Freddie Drabble, leader of environmental pressure group the Sons of Neptune, said a sea wall will encourage youngsters to dare each other to walk on the top, putting their lives at risk.

"It will also have to be quite high to prevent people accidentally falling over by using the wall as a seat," he said.

Mr Drabble, a solicitor, said "Our Victorian forebears were very well aware of such dangers and that is why we have had the railings. If the water is conducted down a defined channel of perhaps 4ft in depth, then I would certainly wish to see an independent specialist report on the dangers which could arise."

Opposition has also come from Scarborough Civic Society.

The council's senior engineer John Riby said the wall was necessary as part of coastal defence measures and to stop the Marine Drive having to be closed to traffic when waves crash on to the road.

He said the council was happy to work with the civic society on the detailed design. "We feel we have come up with a pragmatic apporoach which seeks to balance the need to stop the sea water coming on to the road, while taking account of public safety", he said.