Costal erosion: A series of special reports
It is predicted that over the next twenty years as many as 800 properties could be lost to coastal erosion.
Experts believe climate change could make the problem even worse.
There is no national scheme to compensate those who lose their homes and businesses.
ITV News Meridian Correspondent Malcolm Shaw takes a look at the issue in a series of special reports.
In the first report below, he looks at the human cost of our eroding coastline.
In the second report, Malcolm Shaw looks a the huge cost and complexity of "holding the line".
In the final report below, Malcolm Shaw investigates whether letting the sea claim some of the land is the best way to protect homes and businesses.