Firefighters have defended a decision to replace their potholed asphalt drill yard with expensive paving.

Residents have called the work at Frinton's part-time station extravagant.

Previously the forecourt at the retained station in Pole Barn Lane was plain asphalt.

But a spokesman said the new paving was better in the long run.

"Drill yards are a vital part of any fire station facility.

"Their performance under extreme circumstances such as heavy vehicular loading and volumes of water discharge in their use is paramount."

He said it had become "uneconomical and impractical to repair the constant cracking and potholes."

One resident, who lives close by, said: "Why does the fire station need a fancy herringbone style driveway when asphalt would do?"