Campaigner John Maiden has submitted a petition to West Norfolk Council in protest to a cabinet decision to concentrate efforts on regenerating the resort rather than directing officer time at repetitive queries over the pier controversy.

The problem revolves around an argument over who is responsible for replacing the town's Victorian pier which was destroyed in a gale in 1978.

Campaigners believe CHS Amusements is obliged to re-build the pier and have objected to the current development due to its encroachment on The Green. They have also questioned the consultation process on the matter and have accused the authority of maladministration.

At a cabinet meeting in February members backed a recommendation to create a deed which would formally release the pier owners from this responsibility to put an end to the intricate legal debate.

A petition has since been submitted to the council, but cabinet members will be asked to stand by their decision when they meet next week.

A report to members states: "The report is based on the best legal advice available to the council and notwithstanding the fact that the petitioners do not agree with the conclusions of the advice, the council must rely upon the high level and professional legal advice it has obtained."