Hemsby sea defence campaigners want action against erosion

A total of 25 homes in Hemsby have been lost over the past 11 years due to coastal erosion.

The village was granted a licence for a 1.3km-long rock berm last year, but was turned down for government funding as the £15m scheme would only qualify "where hundreds of homes are at risk".

However, campaigners have argued a criteria change was needed due to the almost £100m the resort generates each year for the borough of Great Yarmouth.

The Marrams in Hemsby following the partial road collapse last year. (Image: Luke Martin Photography)

In January, environment secretary Steve Reed, then the shadow secretary, pledged a Labour government would "open the door" for funding sea defences in Hemsby.

Simon Measures, chairman of campaign group Save Hemsby Coastline (SHC), said now Mr Reed is environment secretary he hopes to see a positive step closer to the matter being looked into, but the village "needs action behind the words".

Simon and Jenny Measures by Hemsby Gap. (Image: James Weeds) Last August, summer tidal surges claimed six metres of Hemsby Beach exacerbating the problem of the crumbling Marrams road which had already started falling into the sea. By December, further road collapses made several homes inaccessible and five were later demolished.

Mr Measures added: "We are keeping our fingers crossed we don't get more storms like we did this time last year.

"The clock is ticking - as it always is while we are without any substantial sea defence - and action is needed."

Two parts of The Marrams road collapsed on Friday, November 24, leaving several homes without access. (Image: Denise Bradley) WHAT'S THE GOVERNMENT SAID?

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it is planning to set up a new resilience task force to tackle coastal erosion and flooding.

"We are committed to supporting coastal communities and ensuring flood risk management is fit for the challenges we face now and in the future," the spokesperson added.

"We will work to improve resilience and preparation across central government and local authorities to better protect communities across the UK."

More details on further erosion policy will be set out in due course, the spokesperson said.

The environment secretary Steve Reed (then the shadow secretary) visited Hemsby in January. (Image: Sonya Duncan) WHAT'S THE COUNCIL DOING?

Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) has announced a new Coastal Adaptation Policy will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on July 17.

Drawn up in consultation with Coastal Partnership East, the document takes account of local and national policy and legislation and includes a range of options for adapting to erosion to ensure different measures can be applied in different locations and for different communities.

Great Yarmouth Town Hall. (Image: Denise Bradley) WHAT DOES THE LIFEBOAT SAY?

Throughout the village's ordeal, Hemsby Independent Lifeboat has worked tirelessly to maintain access to the beach. During tidal surges and storms, the crew has also provided emergency provisions and information, as well as assisting with evacuations of people and vehicles.

Lifeboat helmsman Chris Batten said: "We welcome a renewed intervention and remain hopeful of a positive outcome. In the meantime, we will do everything we can to keep the Gap open for workers, tourists and the Lifeboat."

He added that while the weather has not been great for the tourist trade, the village has "been lucky to not have suffered much this year".

Hemsby Independent Lifeboat helmsman Chris Batten. (Image: Archant Norfolk © 2015) WHAT DOES THE LOCAL COUNCILLOR AND MP SAY?

Hemsby councillor James Bensly said GYBC has been lobbying over many years for a fairer funding model for sea defences.

He added: "The council will continue to do that now a new government is in place and we will wait to see if there is any change to that model that could potentially benefit our coastal communities."

Councillor James Bensly by Hemsby Gap. (Image: James Bensly) Great Yarmouth's new MP, Rupert Lowe, has also written to Mr Reed, asking for a meeting to discuss amendments to the funding criteria.

In a letter, Mr Lowe wrote: "The charming village of Hemsby has suffered, ceding a drastic amount of land to the sea. More will be lost, it’s just a matter of time.

"The funding criteria must be amended so that it takes a broader view of what could be lost.

"This is something you have rightly committed to delivering. We now need to see that happening."

Mr Lowe added he would like to discuss possible compensation for people in the village who have already lost their homes and received no financial assistance.

Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe. (Image: Reform UK)