Mayor Mike Deacon today spoke of his shame at the “disgraceful” state of one of the most visited parts of Felixstowe seafront.

The disused boating lake in Sea Road – part of the route the Olympic flame will take next month – stands cracked and crumbling as part of a decaying area waiting fresh ideas and investment.

“It is in a disgusting state, disgraceful,” said Mr Deacon.

“Frankly, I am ashamed – ashamed of what visitors might think.

“It looks like something you would find in the Third World, and I am calling on Suffolk Coastal to do something about it. We need urgent action there or another season will have come and gone.”

Mr Deacon said if the area could not be renovated or tidied quickly, it would be better to demolish the yacht pond and create a flat area people could walk across.

The lake is part of a 4,500 square metre area, including the go-kart arena, a large kiosk, and lawned area around a pond, which was put up for sale by Suffolk Coastal council after it was revealed the lake alone would cost �100,000 to repair.

Geoff Holdcroft cabinet member for leisure and economic development, said: “We have received offers for the yacht pond and are very keen to progress this as quickly as possible.

“However, the council wants to ensure that any option considered is both sustainable and fits with the wider considerations of the area and other potential investment/development proposals.

“Unfortunately these discussions and negotiations cannot be completed overnight. However, we are hopeful that there will be some positive news over the next few months as discussions are completed.”