Only two months after it was repaired with 700 tons of stone and concrete, Watchet’s East Pier wall again gave way to storm force winds and a massive tide on Monday night, opening up a breach which could threaten the safety of the town’s marina.

One of the biggest tides of the year swept away temporary barriers of three-ton boulders and opened up a gap over twice the size of the original damage.

Somerset West and Taunton council experts called in at dawn have been working to put up temporary protection before the predicted arrival of Storm Dennis at the weekend.

SWAT Localities Manager Chris Hall, who led the previous repair scheme, said a team of specialists had already been alerted to provide materials and equipment and work could start on Thursday.

“The top priority is to start work on a permanent solution as soon as possible and designs are already in hand,” Mr Hall said. “We had hoped to complete a permanent new harbour wall before suffering such extreme conditions.”