DAYS until the demolition of five Hemsby Marrams homes

Five homes on The Marrams in Hemsby were issued Section 77 notices last week, giving homeowners seven days to either sign over their property for the council to demolish or to arrange demolition themselves.

The notices came after recent high tides and strong winds saw the loss of a stretch of the privately owned access road for dozens of properties in The Marrams.

The fallen Marrams road after it collapsed onto Hemsby beach. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Following analysis by building surveyors with Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the decision has been taken - with the owners’ permission - to demolish homes which have been left perilously close to the eroding cliff edge, as they are no longer structurally sound.

Residents have been preparing their belongings to be moved over the past several days.

A demolition company has been contracted to carry out the work, which is anticipated to begin this weekend.

CUT OFF: The collapse of The Marrams road has restricted access to several homes. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)As two parts of The Marrams road have collapsed, heavy plant will be on the beach to carry out the demolitions, with the material being taken away via a tipper truck.

Demolition is expected to last at least four days due to high tides restricting beach access at times.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith (left) and the chief executive, Sheila Oxtoby, by the eroding cliffs at Hemsby. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ‘’While we have known for some considerable time that more properties were at risk from erosion, this remains an extremely difficult time for those people who are losing their homes. Our thoughts are with those affected and our staff have been working hard to provide support and welfare for those who need it.

‘’Unfortunately, continued erosion on this stretch of coastline is inevitable and we are working hard with our partners and other agencies to work out how we best adapt to the changing shape of our coast in the coming years.’’

Members of the public are being strongly urged to stay away from the beach while demolition takes place. The access road also remains closed, as does a footpath in the area.

At the same time as the demolition, work will be taking place to create access via St Mary’s Road to remove a small number of vehicles and a caravan which were left behind when part of the access road was lost.