Hemsby: 'Unsafe' sea defences block demolition access

Great Yarmouth Borough Council said the Lego-style blocks are unsafe and have to be moved before demolition begins

Sea defences on a Norfolk beach are "unsafe" and are blocking planned demolition work, a council has said.

The concrete blocks had collapsed as coastal erosion hit at Hemsby, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, in November.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has written to Hemsby Parish Council and Save Hemsby Coastline.

The authority warned that the repositioned blocks defending some homes were in the way of demolition contractors.

The blocks were moved on to the beach at Hemsby on Wednesday

In the letter, Natasha Hayes, executive director of place at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said she was trying to established ownership of the blocks.

"Late yesterday a number of the Lego concrete blocks have been moved onto the beach in front of some of the properties we are scheduled to demolish this weekend," she said.

"We don't know who moved them and we are unclear on the ownership of the blocks.

"Unfortunately they have not been placed safely and they prevent the demolition crews from accessing the beach area.

"We have a tight window to be able to demolish these properties safely."

The blocks are preventing access to the beach by demolition crews, the council said

The council said it had written to one resident, known to have purchased blocks, to establish if they belong to him.

It has offered to move the blocks to a safe place for onward transit, but said its contractors would remove them to ensure the beach is left in a safe condition after the demolitions.

Keith Kyriacou, chairman of Hemsby Parish Council, said the blocks had been put in position too late, and were now in the way.

"It'll hold the job up - plus who's going to pay for that extra work to move them?" he said.

"Unfortunately, the people who live in the last four houses will see them demolished. The borough council is doing its best, but they have their hands tied.

"We cannot seem to get that funding for sea defences."

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