MORE digital surveys will be carried out on the twin piers at Whitby harbour to find out if the structures are in need of repair.

A ground investigation, due to start next week, will uncover the condition of the piers themselves, and a boat-based exploration will examine the seabed they stand on.

The surveys are part of a series of detailed studies and investigations to be undertaken on the piers over the coming months as part of Scarborough Borough Council's Whitby coastal defence strategy, drawn up in 2002.

The document identified that some of the Whitby harbour defence structures were approaching the end of their serviceable life and could need improvement, the most significant being the east and west piers.

The strategy highlighted areas where information was lacking or insufficient and indicated that further studies would be needed to confirm the 2002 findings and provide extra details to help in the design of any potential improvements.

The ground survey will take about four weeks to complete, and the boat-based investigation will run for about 10 days.

When all the surveys are complete, the condition of the piers will be assessed against data from inspections in 2002 to find out if the structures have deteriorated.