But the region’s historic piers now face an uncertain future amid a stormy economic climate.

Some are struggling to stay operational thanks to rising costs, with imminent sweeping reforms to local councils casting a shadow of uncertainty.

Others are pumping millions of pounds into renovations to give them a fighting chance at survival.

CROMER PIER

Cromer Pier was named Pier of the Year' last year, but has now been forced to introduce donation points to help pay for its upkeep.

Cromer Pier (Image: Denise Bradley) North Norfolk District Council, which owns the Grade II listed Victorian landmark, is installing digital donation points along the pier in a six-month trial it hopes will raise £5,000 a month to support its maintenance.

But Rory Holburn, who manages Cromer Pier through his company Openwide Coastal, has warned that rising employment costs could see seasonal staff jobs slashed by more than 20pc this year.

Mr Holburn said that Budget increases to the minimum wage and employers' National Insurance contributions, which came into effect last month, have hit his firm's bottom line by £180,000.

An aerial view of Cromer Pier (Image: Mike Page) Openwide Coastal runs the Cromer Pier Show - the only full season end of the pier show left in the world - as well as bars and cafes along the pier.

Businesses may also be affected by future reform to local government, which will see the district and county councils abolished in favour of one or more unitary authorities.

North Norfolk District Council leader Tim Adams has said the level of investment in the pier could suffer as a result because unitary councils have more competing demands on their funds, which could leave the tourism economy at a disadvantage.

Cromer Pier (Image: Denise........

© Norwich Evening News