Hemsby erosion: Day two for resident relocating clifftop home

For a second day, Marrams resident Lance Martin is attempting to move his chalet away from the edge of an eroding cliff.

For the past three weeks, Hemsby’s coastline has been battered by high spring tides and strong winds. The beach entrance by the Gap remains closed to the public and Hemsby Independent Lifeboat remains out of service to offshore calls.

Hemsby independent Lifeboat remains out of duty for offshore calls following further erosion in the village. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Three homes have been demolished north of the Gap, with a further two pegged for demolition over the coming days.

Part of the old road on The Marrams collapsed during last Friday’s spring tide and part of the operating Marrams road - which leads to two homes - has also crumbled into the sea.

Mr Martin spent all of Wednesday attempting to relocate his home. Following a public call out, Mr Martin said he was “astounded” by the response.

Lance Martin on Wednesday. Picture - Daniel Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

The crew from RDJ Groundworks and Civil Engineers provided a workforce and heavy plant to help with the relocating process. Mr Martin also thanked Hemsby Lifeboat, Caister Lifeboat and local businessman Lee Robinson for their support.

Despite the team’s best efforts, the telegraph pole - which was used to help drag Mr Martin’s home from the cliff edge - snapped, causing the day’s work to halt.

However, Mr Martin remains confident he can move his home, and the RDJ crew have returned today (March 16) to assist.

RDJ Groundworks crew helping Lance Martin move his Hemsby home. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Two-thousand tonnes of rock, which will be used to create a sea defence for the Marrams, are said to be arriving today.

The rocks will be temporarily stored in the Hemsby Lifeboat car park, which will be closed to the public until further notice.

Councillor Carl Annison assured people the Hopton rocks are not from the village’s own sea defences, but are from a surplus supply.

On Friday, an emergency meeting to discuss Hemsby’s ongoing battle with erosion and finding funding for a larger sea defence will be held at the L A Lounge inside the Lacon Arms on Sea View Road.

The meeting is being held by Hemsby Lifeboat and Save Hemsby Coastline from 7pm.

For more information, visit Hemsby Lifeboat's Facebook page.