Residents of a Norfolk seaside village are facing a devastating reality as the speed of coastal erosion forces the emergency demolition of homes teetering on crumbling cliffs. The situation in Hemsby has been described as "very frightening" by local authorities, with significant land loss occurring in a matter of hours.
Emergency Demolitions as Cliffs Crumble
Demolition crews moved in on Thursday and Friday, 8th and 9th January 2026, to tear down properties at immediate risk of collapse onto the beach below. One home was destroyed on Thursday, with a digler beginning work on another the following day. The crisis stems from what officials call a "perfect storm" of relentless rain, strong winds, and high tides that have severely undercut the sandy cliffs.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the coastal management authority, has identified the local coastline as one of the fastest eroding in northern Europe. Daniel Candon, the council's cabinet member for economic development and growth, revealed the alarming pace of change, stating that a further eight metres of land was lost in a single night.
Council Support and Resident Anguish
In response to the imminent danger, the council has written to the owners of 14 properties on the Marrams and Fakes Road in Hemsby. The letters advise them of their options and explain that safe demolition is now necessary. Council officers have been directly engaging with these homeowners, all of whom have been "advised that they should leave."
"We've been offering accommodation to all of them – we've managed to house seven," Mr Candon said on Friday. He acknowledged the profound emotional toll, noting, "These are homes with lots of memories. They're obviously struggling." However, he confirmed the council lacks statutory powers to forcibly evacuate those who are "reluctant to leave for personal reasons," despite the clear risk to life and property.
A Call for Policy Change and Compensation
The crisis in Hemsby has highlighted a significant gap in support for those losing their homes to natural forces. Mr Candon pointed out a harsh reality for the affected families: people who lose their home to coastal erosion are not entitled to compensation. He stressed that this is a policy issue that "should be looked at," as residents face total financial loss on top of the trauma of displacement.
The ongoing situation underscores the tangible and accelerating impact of environmental change on coastal communities. For the residents of Hemsby, the frightening speed of the erosion has turned a long-term concern into an immediate emergency, leaving them to grapple with the loss of their homes and an uncertain future.
