Council leaders visit at-risk properties on Hemsby Marrams

Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith and chief executive Sheila Oxtoby went to The Marrams in Hemsby today, visiting homes on the southern end of the devastated access road.

Surveyors have been inspecting the four homes for any structural weaknesses following the collapse of two parts of the access road on Friday. It is believed the houses might be at a greater risk of collapse due to them standing on stilts.

Homes on the southern side of The Marrams are currently at risk. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)The council sent letters to homeowners on Monday evening, advising them to leave as soon as possible.

Kevin Jordan, who has been at his home for 13 years, said unless he is ordered to leave, he's staying put.

Kevin Jordan with the letter he received on Monday advising him to leave his Marrams home. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)"I'd like to see a solution rather than defeatism and having to get out," said Mr Jordan.

"I've got nowhere to go."

A bird's eye view of the recent damage in Hemsby. Picture - Luke Martin Photography (Image: Luke Martin Photography)He said his nearest next of kin is an older brother living in sheltered accommodation in Kent, and he cannot afford private rental accommodation.

Mr Jordan's neighbour, Margaret Parish, has already started packing her belongings. She has lived in The Marrams since 2004.

Following a storm surge in 2013, which saw seven clifftop properties destroyed and the Beast from the East in 2018, Mrs Parish bought another property in Ormesby.

Margaret Parish believed she would have a home for life when she moved to The Marrams in 2004. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)"It's very sad," she said. "But I knew this day would come.

"I won't be made homeless and I am very lucky when compared to others down here.

"It's been dreadful."

Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith and GYBC chief executive Sheila Oxtoby on The Marrams. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Council leader Carl Smith said housing teams have been speaking with residents about their options at the Beach Cafe.

Mr Smith also met with the parish council and Save Hemsby Coastline (SHC) to update them on yesterday's meeting with emergency services.

Rocks by Hemsby Gap have been moved closer to the dunes to preserve what remains of the natural sea defence.

Hemsby Independent Lifeboat crew moving rocks by the Gap area. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)However, SHC chairman Simon Measures said the entire Marrams access road has been condemned to pedestrians and cars.

"We've had sleepless nights," he said.

"And now it seems more people are going to lose their homes."

Save Hemsby Coastline chairman Simon Measures by the condemned access road. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Mr Measures said SHC's ongoing petition to force action on a form of sea defence now has amassed 14,000 signatures online and in person.

To view the petition, search 'Save Hemsby Coastline!' on www.change.org

Parts of the collapsed access road on Hemsby beach. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)