A damaged quayside has collapsed further following a recent tidal surge.
A section of Hythe Quay in Maldon was fenced off in November because of subsidence.
But the concreted piles and retaining sections were moved further during floods overnight on December 5.
Penny Channer, chairman of Maldon District Council’s planning and licensing committee, said: “The public are at no greater risk from this further damage at the moment due to the measures that the council had already put in place.
“However, we will be making some emergency repairs and adjusting the fencing to ensure that the safety of the public and quay users is maintained."
The council, which is applying for European funding, has started looking for a contractor.
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