Council issues safety advice following erosion at Hemsby

A stretch of the privately owned access road, which had been under threat from erosion for some months, collapsed on Friday leaving about 35 properties in the Marrams with no access for cars or emergency vehicles as well as services like refuse collections and septic tank servicing. Four of the properties are being inspected by surveyors who will decide if they are structurally unsound and need to be demolished.

Meanwhile, with the threat of further erosion, the access road has been closed to pedestrians and vehicles and the public is being told not to use the road because there is the risk of further collapses along it.

GYBC community marshalls have today been visiting those living in the Marrams to offer welfare support. Councillor Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''The welfare of residents and safety of the public is our paramount responsibility. Our teams have been checking on people to see if they require assistance with shopping, medicines, pets etc. If anyone is vulnerable we will do all we can in terms of targeted interventions. And it is vital that people realise it is not safe to use the road, either on foot or by car.''

The council's housing options team is to visit people living in the Marrams today (Tuesday, November 28) to discuss options around their housing needs as the borough comes to terms with the prospect of more homes being lost to the sea. Senior council officers and members are also due to meet with Hemsby Parish Council and the Save Hemsby Coastline group to keep them abreast of developments.

Councillor Smith said: ''As a community we have to consider how we best adapt to the erosion in what is one of Europe's most dynamic stretches of coastline. Unfortunately, this is a complex process because the road, the land, the homes, and services such as water and utilities are privately owned and we need to work with all parties involved to engineer the best solutions we can for those affected.''

Due to the problems the lack of access to properties would cause the emergency services, residents who choose to remain in their homes are to be offered additional fire safety advice over the coming days.