A man living in Hemsby says leaving his home "would be the end of him"

Kevin Jordan - who's been on The Marrams for 14 years - was advised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council to evacuate his home

Kevin Jordan (above) has lived on The Marrams in Hemsby for 14 years
Author: Tom ClabonPublished 29th Nov 2023

A man living on the battered seafront of Hemsby tells us that leaving his home "would be the end" of him.

It's after Kevin Jordan - who's been on The Marrams for 14 years - was advised by Great Yarmouth Borough Council to evacuate his home, after days of intense coastal erosion.

"I can't tell you how I'm feeling at the moment"

He told us how he felt hearing the council's advice: "I'm speechless, shocked and angered after getting this letter - especially considering we haven't seen anybody since before the storm.

"I don't want to end up in some B&B, I couldn't do that. I think that would be the end of me. I have been a rural person for most of my life.

"I have lived in the countryside and I would hate to be in a block of flats in Yarmouth.

"I can't tell you how I'm feeling at the moment. I'm seeing other people and how distressed they are.

"I have just spoken to my neighbour and in all my time of living here- I have never seen her in the state she was in the other day."

"It is not safe to use the road, either on foot or by car"

Great Yarmouth Borough Council say they're continuing to monitor the situation in Hemsby - and are working to support those affected.

Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said:

‘’The welfare of residents and safety of the public is our paramount responsibility. Our teams have been checking on people to see if they require assistance with shopping, medicines, pets etc.

"If anyone is vulnerable we will do all we can in terms of targeted interventions. And it is vital that people realise it is not safe to use the road, either on foot or by car.’’

‘’As a community we have to consider how we best adapt to the erosion in what is one of Europe’s most dynamic stretches of coastline.

"Unfortunately, this is a complex process because the road, the land, the homes, and services such as water and utilities are privately owned and we need to work with all parties involved to engineer the best solutions we can for those affected.’’

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