An elderly couple in their 80s have spoken of their devastation after being forced to evacuate their clifftop home with only days' notice, leaving it to crumble into the sea. Glenda and Michael Dennington, both retired, were ordered to leave their property in Hemsby, Norfolk, on January 6 by Great Yarmouth Borough Council, due to the imminent risk of collapse from rapid coastal erosion.
A Sudden and Traumatic Evacuation
The couple received the evacuation order just one day after Michael, aged 82, was discharged from hospital following a hip replacement operation. As Storm Goretti approached, they were given minimal time to pack their belongings and vacate the bungalow they had called home since 2012. Mrs Dennington described the property as their "final resting home" and was left in tears during the rushed departure.
In a heartfelt letter to the Daily Mail, the couple expressed feeling let down by both local authorities and their insurance company. They wrote: "We were given one day's notice to get out, then a further two days to clear the property. Volunteers helped us or we would have lost everything." They added that the council provided very little assistance, and their insurer refused to cover coastal erosion, leaving them without a financial safety net.
Memories Washed Away
The Denningtons purchased their home for £165,000 in August 2012, attracted by the friendly community and with no prior warnings about erosion risks. A full survey at the time did not mention any concerns. Mrs Dennington recalled: "We moved to Norfolk 14 years ago after retiring because we love it here. We had never heard of any erosion until 2013, when other houses were lost to sea after the storm surge that December."
Over the years, they watched in sadness as neighbouring properties disappeared into the sea, particularly during significant erosion events in 2018. Despite attending council meetings about the growing crisis, they never imagined their own home would be affected. The couple shared many happy memories in the property, including time spent with Mrs Dennington's sister, who passed away in 2016 after finding solace there during her cancer treatment.
Minimal Support and Financial Strain
The evacuation process was compounded by a lack of practical help from the council. With Michael recovering on morphine and their son Gary dealing with health issues, the family struggled to pack and move. Mrs Dennington stated: "Nobody came from the council to help. They did nothing to help us move – nothing at all."
Temporary accommodation options suggested by the council were unsuitable, particularly as they included separating from their dog, Rusty. The couple eventually secured a private rental through their elder son, but the lease is only for six months, creating uncertainty. They have spent around £10,000 on rent and moving costs, depleting their retirement savings and potentially forcing them to rely on benefits.
The Wider Coastal Crisis
Hemsby is on Britain's fastest-eroding coastline, with 36 properties lost to the sea or demolished since 2013. In January alone, 14 homes were at risk from Storm Goretti, leading to demolitions. The coastline has transformed dramatically over decades, with protective sand dunes vanishing and properties increasingly vulnerable.
Experts warn that undefended coastal villages like Hemsby may have no long-term future, as this stretch of Norfolk is among the fastest-eroding in northern Europe. Similar issues are affecting other areas, such as Thorpeness in Suffolk, where homes are also being demolished.
Council Response and Ongoing Trauma
A spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council explained that the evacuation was necessary for safety, following the loss of over 10 metres of cliff. They stated: "The council's priority is the safety of its residents... Temporary accommodation was made available, but in this case was refused and the family made its own arrangements." The council acknowledged the trauma faced by residents and emphasised efforts to support those affected.
However, the Denningtons feel abandoned, describing themselves as "second-class citizens" despite lifelong work and tax payments. As they face the prospect of moving again in a few months, Mrs Dennington lamented: "I want to see a future for us. At the minute, I don't see a future for us because I keep thinking, we've got to start again." The emotional toll is deepened by seeing their home being dismantled on social media, a heartbreaking reminder of their loss.
