A riverside woodland and sculpture trail could be delayed for months after Maldon District Council decided to reconsider plans for the £20,000 project.

The trail was chosen for Burnham’s Riverside Park out of four options by councillors.

It was due to include works from artists from around the area and include opportunities to get schools involved with community planting.

It was also due to be completed by March, when the decision was made in July.

However this week the council confirmed it is looking again at what is possible.

Richard Holmes, the authority’s director of customers and community, said: “The council is currently reviewing options for the creation of a sculpture trail in Riverside Park.

“These include utilising innovative new technology to enrich the visitor experience in the park. We will also be undertaking new tree planting in the park but this will now happen later in the year.

"We recognise this means the project will not be completed in the timescale initially proposed, however, we are keen to achieve maximum value with the funds available.”

No details on the new technology which could be used or a new date for completion of the project have been revealed.

In February last year Maldon District Council put forward proposals for a 21-metre sailing mast to be placed in Riverside Park using the money.

Residents and councillors questioned the scheme, prompting the council to withdraw the application and invite residents to put forward their own ideas instead.

More than 30 suggestions were made and a shortlist drawn up.

Other ideas on the shortlist included an observatory, an oyster sculpture and a pathway to paradise along the marina.