Elderly Couple Evicted from Norfolk Dream Home as Coastal Erosion Crisis Deepens
An elderly couple has been forcibly removed from their dream retirement bungalow on one of Britain's fastest-eroding coastlines, describing the experience as utterly devastating after receiving mere days' notice from the local council. Glenda and Michael Dennington, both in their 80s, were ordered to abandon their seaside property in Hemsby, Norfolk, following severe coastal damage inflicted by Storm Goretti, which rendered their home structurally unsafe.
'We Felt Like Second-Class Citizens'
Writing to the Daily Mail, the couple expressed profound distress, accusing both local authorities and insurance providers of failing to offer meaningful assistance to homeowners facing similar catastrophic losses. 'Erosion is happening all around the country, with devastating effects. We ourselves have recently lost our home,' they stated. '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.'
The Denningtons emphasised that the local council provided minimal support, leaving them uncertain about what help might be available elsewhere. 'The local council have given very little assistance to people losing their homes. We don't know what help other areas are getting,' they lamented, posing a critical question: 'Isn't it time the Government became involved and got teams together to provide assistance?'
A Lifelong Dream Shattered
For Glenda and Michael, the bungalow was intended to be their final home—a cherished retirement haven by the sea. Mrs Dennington was reduced to tears as they packed their belongings, describing the property as their 'final resting home.' The bungalow now stands vacant and is scheduled for demolition this week, symbolising the abrupt end of their lifelong aspiration.
Compounding their trauma, Mr Dennington, aged 82, is recuperating from a major hip operation performed just days before receiving the evacuation order. The shock has exacerbated an already difficult period for the family. Along with their dog Rusty, they have relocated to temporary accommodation in a nearby holiday chalet, which they secured through their own efforts.
Insurance Nightmare Leaves Couple Financially Exposed
In a further blow, the couple's insurance provider has refused to cover losses related to coastal erosion, stripping them of any financial safety net. Mrs Dennington recounted frustrating interactions with assessors who inquired about visiting the property, despite being informed that the house would soon cease to exist. 'The insurance company doesn't want to know,' she said, questioning the value of their policy.
She detailed a previous claim for roof damage caused by persistent winds, which was rejected because the wind speed did not exceed 55 miles per hour on a single day. 'I accept that erosion is not covered on a buildings policy, although the wind contributed to it. We had to leave items in the house and they say that is not covered—but storm damage would have been covered,' she explained, highlighting a glaring inconsistency.
The situation worsened after they signed the house over to the council on January 12. Despite submitting a claim on January 8 when they still owned the property, the insurer now denies coverage. 'We have since rung and emailed them but no response,' Mrs Dennington added, underscoring a profound sense of abandonment.
Hemsby's Erosion Crisis: A National Warning
The coastline at Hemsby has undergone dramatic transformation over the past fifty years. Once shielded by expansive sand dunes with homes safely situated behind them, the area has seen those natural defences vanish, leading to the loss of dozens of properties to the encroaching sea. In the last month alone, 14 homes have been demolished, with rubble cleared by the local lifeboat station.
Recent severe weather, including Storm Goretti, has resulted in nearly 10 metres of land being consumed by coastal erosion in Hemsby. The emotional strain on residents like Mrs Dennington is overwhelming; she admitted to taking each day as it comes while grappling with the upheaval.
Hemsby is not an isolated case. Similar demolitions are occurring in Thorpeness, Suffolk, where several additional properties remain at risk. Experts caution that undefended coastal villages such as Hemsby may have no long-term viability, noting that this stretch of the Norfolk coast ranks among the fastest-eroding in northern Europe.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council has been approached for comment regarding the assistance provided to affected homeowners. The Denningtons' ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for coordinated governmental action and revised insurance frameworks to address the escalating coastal erosion crisis threatening communities across the United Kingdom.
