LIVES could be at risk if controversial plans for a multi-million pound seawall is built around Scarborough's Marine Drive.

The warning has come from The Sons of Neptune, a leading maritime conservation group, whose leader, solicitor Freddie Drabble says "Putting up a wall will encourage youngsters to dare each other to walk on the top of it".

The wall would have to be high enough to prevent people accidentally falling over by using it as a seat. Opposition has also come from the town's civic society which says panoramic views will be spoiled of the sea from the drive.

But John Riby, Scarborough Council's principal engineer, said: "We feel we have come up with a pragmatic approach which seeks to balance the need to stop seawater flooding onto the road while taking account of public safety".

Updated: 11:11 Thursday, March 28, 2002