Five cliff-top homes hit by erosion at Hemsby to be demolished
Five cliff-top homes at risk of falling into the sea at Hemsby in Norfolk will be demolished over the coming days, the local council has confirmed.
Residents were evacuated from 13 chalets in total last weekend after strong winds and high tides eroded the sand dunes on which the properties are built.
Some homes have started to collapse onto the beach and people are being warned to stay away from the area.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has now began making arrangements for five of the chalets to be pulled down by a contractor in the near future, while negotiations are continuing to determine the fate of the other eight properties.
"Demolition of any properties will take place as carefully as possible, with the intention of trying to keep as much debris on top of the cliffs as feasible, so that it can be safely removed and disposed of," Cllr Carl Smith, Deputy Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said.
"It is inevitable that some material will fall onto the beach, either before or during the demolition process. Any debris which lands on the beach will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so; however, the cliff edge and beach below are very dangerous due to the risk of further falls.
"Local residents are reminded that the properties to the east side and beach beneath the Marrams remain a dangerous site, and whilst the weather has now improved, we ask them to stay away from this area."