20 hours ago
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PA Media
Dozens of homes have already been demolished, including this one in December 2023
The owners of 14 clifftop homes have been warned their properties are at risk of imminent collapse on to the beach and must be demolished.
Recent bad weather has eroded more than 10m (32ft) of land at Hemsby in Norfolk, with the risk of further substantial damage.
People on The Marrams and Fakes Road have been told not to stay in coastal homes, especially overnight on Thursday and over the weekend, because of a risk of cliff falls.
''It is extremely traumatic for those affected, but coastal experts say there is a real risk of collapse," said a spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council.
"With more than ten metres of land lost to erosion in recent bad weather and the risk of further substantial damage from Storm Goretti later this week, a number of properties at Hemsby face imminent collapse on to the beach," they added.
"As the coastal management authority, Great Yarmouth Borough Council has written and is speaking to the owners of 14 properties on The Marrams and Fakes Road to advise them of the options available and explain that safe demolition needs to be carried out.
"We have been liaising closely with people affected by erosion in Hemsby for some time, but the recent spate of storms and forecast of further damage from Storm Goretti means some properties are now in an even more precarious position.
"Making sure residents and the public are safe is of paramount importance so we are working closely with owners to explain the risks, offer support and advice where necessary and detail the options available to people at this very difficult time.''
Staff from the housing team were based in the village to offer support and advice, the council added.
Before this latest announcement, more than 36 homes had been lost to the sea or demolished at Hemsby since 2013 – including eight over December and early January.
''Our coastline is one of the fastest eroding in northern Europe and climate change means there will inevitably be further loss of land," the council added.
"How we plan for that and provide appropriate support and information about the options available to people is of paramount importance."
The council also urged people to stay well clear of the dune face and take heed of warning signs in the area.
Part of the Hemsby beach had been closed off for safety reasons, it added.
