Aerial photos shot over three decades show how the coast at Hemsby has crumbled in the wake of relentless coastal erosion, as more homes were demolished before falling into the sea. 

Flying photographer Mike Page has shared four images highlighting the extent of changes Hemsby has seen over 30 years. 

The pictures spotlight the steepening clifftop and the diminishing stretch of the once-expansive beach. 

Over the past half-century, the village has witnessed the loss of approximately 70 metres of coastline - and in recent years, the erosion has intensified, accelerated by storm surges and high tides. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Marrams in Hemsby in 1993 - before the dunes were swallowed by the sea. The Marrams in Hemsby in 1993 - before the dunes were swallowed by the sea. (Image: Mike Page)

The aftermath of the 2013 surge, which condemned several Marrams homes, marked the emergence of a cliff around Hemsby Gap.  

In the following decade, this emerging cliff underwent multiple levellings to ensure continued access for beachgoers and Hemsby Lifeboat's vessel. 

In March 2018, the Beast from the East battered the coast, causing seven homes to fall into the sea.

READ MORE: TWENTY homes lost in Hemsby's ten years of heartbreak

Great Yarmouth Mercury: North of the Hemsby Gap pictured in June 2015. North of the Hemsby Gap pictured in June 2015. (Image: Mike Page)

And over the weekend, yet another five homes south of the Gap were lost when they were demolished following high tides and fierce winds which triggered the collapse of a significant stretch of road last month.  

To facilitate the demolition process, Anglian Demolition, contractors working for Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC), constructed an access ramp using sand from the receding beach. 

READ MORE: Man's sadness as seaside home is demolished before it is lost to the waves

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Marrams in March 2023 after homes were evacuated due to fears houses could topple over the cliff. The Marrams in March 2023 after homes were evacuated due to fears houses could topple over the cliff. (Image: Mike Page)

Rumours circulating on social media had alleged the council denied there was a digger at the top of the cliff removing materials - but Town Hall has refuted the allegation.   

A borough council spokesperson said the decision to demolish the buildings was taken as there was a risk the buildings could have fallen onto the beach due to the imminent risk of the cliff collapsing further.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Marrams on December 10, 2023, as five homes were being demolished. The Marrams on December 10, 2023, as five homes were being demolished. (Image: Mike Page)

"Should the properties fall onto the beach, the owners would then be responsible for removing the materials and also any environmental impact," the spokesperson added.

"The council have sought to avoid this situation by removing the properties with minimal disruption."