An MP has demanded an explanation over why there has been a delay in securing sea defences for Hemsby.
Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis will be raising in parliament why there has been a delay in issuing permission to build a rock berm to protect the village from further erosion threatening homes.
Mr Lewis said the CEO of the Marine Management Organisation has been made aware of the delay in the granting process for a rock berm, which was approved by Great Yarmouth Borough Council last April and could cost up to £9m depending on the design.
Mr Lewis has also paid tribute to organisations and volunteers who are helping to support residents who have lost their homes or face losing them.
His comments came as rocks were due to start arriving from Hopton to help shore up defences and Hemsby resident Lance Martin tried to move his clifftop home on the Marrams to a safer site.
In a statement, Mr Lewis said: "The damage to Hemsby is extremely distressing and my sympathy goes out to anyone who has lost their homes and property due to the recent weather conditions.
"Throughout recent events, I have liaised directly with local councillors, especially the borough council leader, councillor Carl Smith as well as ward members, and Hemsby residents, councillor James Bensly and councillor Noel Galer.
"I also visited Hemsby on Friday, where I experienced first-hand the difficult conditions, even before the high tide had arrived.
"I would like to pay tribute to Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Hemsby lifeboat and local volunteers who have stepped up to support the impacted residents and I know they will continue to offer all the support that they can.
"I am also heartened by the news that Great Yarmouth Borough Council has managed to secure surplus rock from the privately financed scheme in Hopton, to help provide some additional protection to part of the beach. This is a significant step by the council.
"Moving forward, I will continue to pursue Government support to manage the impact of coastal erosion both in Parliament and in direct contact with ministers and civil servants.
"I have today heard from the CEO of Marine Management Organisation who has confirmed that he is urgently investigating why there has been a delay in issuing permissions on the Berm, after I contacted him.
"In addition, this week I have asked several parliamentary questions regarding the issue and tomorrow hope to be able to press ministers directly in the House of Commons."
"I will continue to press for further support but any scheme such as required by Hemsby requires a funding coalition.
"It is a privately owned beach, and funders of any nature would rightly want to see the landowner who has received income from the lost properties and other sites within Hemsby for years to make a serious contribution before they come forward.
"Should the owner step forward, the challenge will be much easier."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here