No need for traditionalists to be alarmed, though – it is not the seaside resort’s famed tower that is being removed but a wrecked ship.

Riverdance has attracted sightseers since getting stranded on the beach after it was hit by a freak wave during a storm on its passage from Northern Ireland, in January.

Workmen were yesterday taking advantage of spring tides and fine weather, which allow them extra time for the task of cutting up the 6,000-ton wreck. They expect to complete the job by the end of the month.