Hemsby residents hold emergency meeting after homes destroyed by coastal erosion
Over 400 people were in attendance
Last updated 19th Mar 2023
Concerns for the future of Hemsby are ongoing due to the rapid rate of coastal erosion.
Urgent talks were held between residents and local authorities last night to try and discuss how the issue can be dealt with.
Authorities are currently trying to damage to the cliffs and a number of homes have already been demolished whilst others still remain at risk.
Over 400 people attended a meeting about the situation last night and we spoke with Chris Batten from Hemsby Lifeboat who was present:
" It was quite a vibrant meeting, and there was a lot of emotion"
" A mix of anger, frustration and of course sympathy for those who have lost their properties".
From the meeting a petition has been launched with over 100,000 signatures for Downing Street to consider:
"The outcome was quite positive in terms of arranging defenses for Hemsby"
"We have also set up a war chest, to provide funding for legal representation"
Batten says people want to see a change in government policies and the way in which they are applied to different areas of the Eastern coastline:
"Potentially there is a loophole in their policy which will allow us appeal"