Clifftop homeowner says it's time to 'up sticks'

Hemsby in Norfolk suffered more erosion during spring tides at the weekend

An army veteran who has fought to save his home from falling into the sea has said it is time to "up sticks".

Lance Martin from Hemsby, Norfolk, lost more of his garden at the weekend during high tides and strong winds.

Earlier this year, his home was moved back from the cliff edge for a second time, and five nearby homes were demolished due to the continuing threat of coastal erosion.

In October, authorities announced that Hemsby did not qualify for £15m of government funding to build more effective sea defences.

Mr Martin said he had spent £15,000 on renovating his property since it was moved away from the cliff edge in March.

"I think enough is enough now, I can't see a way forward from here and there's nowhere else to move the house to," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"For safety's sake, for everyone around here, not just mine, I think it's time to up sticks."

In March, old telegraph poles were used to "roll" Lance Martin's home back from the cliff edge

Over the weekend, a 200-metre stretch of road collapsed onto Hemsby beach, bringing down power lines and cutting off access to some homes.

Hemsby's independent lifeboat said it had supported Norfolk Constabulary which had shut off some roads over safety concerns.

A home close to the cliff edge was demolished in October over fears it would fall into the sea

Great Yarmouth Borough Council said its community marshals and building inspectors would be in Hemsby throughout Monday and Tuesday to assess the needs of those cut off by the fallen road.

Conservative council leader Carl Smith said he would be speaking to Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service on Monday afternoon to discuss safety access in the event of an emergency.

Mr Smith said accessing vital services and making improvements to vulnerable homes was "challenging" as much of the land was privately owned.

Carl Smith describes the weekend's erosion as "happening so quickly"

In October, authorities, including councils and the Conservative MP representing Hemsby, Sir Brandon Lewis, warned of the "inevitable situation of losing more properties".

In a joint statement, they said Hemsby did not qualify for "sufficient government funding" as current schemes only protected areas where "hundreds of homes are at risk".

"We will continue to fight to see if we can get the funding but our main priority now is the residents," Mr Smith added.

Geoffrey Watling (Norwich) Limited, which owns private land in Hemsby, was approached for comment.