It is a village which has shown great community spirit as parts of its coastline have been battered by the sea.

However, in the run-up to May's local elections, only six of Hemsby's 3,500 residents have nominated themselves for a place on the parish council.

The village currently has five available spaces on its parish council. The role enables people to have their say on issues in the parish, including the ongoing funding bid for a sea defence, planning permissions and the Neighbourhood Plan.

Eastern Daily Press: Hemsby has approximately 3,500 residents, but only six councillors occupy 11 seats on the parish council. Picture - NewsquestHemsby has approximately 3,500 residents, but only six councillors occupy 11 seats on the parish council. Picture - Newsquest (Image: GYBC)

 

Hemsby Parish Council chairman Keith Kyriacou said he was disappointed with the parishioners of Hemsby.

"Do we want to be governed by central government, or do we want to be run by a Hemsby council?" Mr Kyiracou said.

Eastern Daily Press: Keith Kyriacou, chairman of Hemsby Parish Council. Picture - NewsquestKeith Kyriacou, chairman of Hemsby Parish Council. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Archant © 2017)

"It's the same old story. People moan about the parish council but they're not willing to put in their time and help.

"We've got a lovely village with lots going on. And we want to see some fresh faces with some fresh ideas."

Eligible nominees must be British citizens who are at least 18 years old and are either registered as an elector in the parish, occupy or own any land or premises in the parish, their main place of work is in the parish, or have lived in the parish area - or within three miles of it - for 12 months.

Hemsby Parish Council clerk Kerrie Wilton said while it was "sad to see" the lack of nominations, it wasn't an exclusive issue for Hemsby.

READ MORE: Hemsby erosion: Pictures show 30 years of devastation

Eastern Daily Press: Hemsby beach on March 11, 2023 high spring tides. Beach access by the Gap was closed following further bouts of erosion. Picture: Mike PageHemsby beach on March 11, 2023 high spring tides. Beach access by the Gap was closed following further bouts of erosion. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

Out of Great Yarmouth's 15 parishes, only two have enough candidates to run for an election. Candidates from all other parishes will be automatically selected for councils.

Ms Wilton said: "We're lucky enough to have enough people who have come forward so we can still function.

"It is a bit sad, if there are another five people who would like to join us, that would be good."

 

How many spaces are not filled on Great Yarmouth's other parish councils?

Belton with Browston has 13 spaces and six candidates
Burgh Castle has seven spaces and six candidates
Filby has seven spaces and seven candidates
Fleggburgh has nine spaces and three candidates
Fritton with St Olaves has 10 spaces and seven candidates
Hemsby has 11 spaces and six candidates
Martham has 11 spaces and 11 candidates
Mautby has seven spaces and five candidates
Ormesby St Michael has seven spaces and six candidates
Repps has seven spaces and eight candidates
Rollesby has seven spaces and nine candidates
Somerton has seven spaces and six candidates
Stokesby has seven spaces and seven candidates
Thurne has five spaces and five candidates
Winterton has nine spaces and eight candidates