Richard Daniel,in Thorpeness and
George King
Richard Daniel/BBC
Sea defences have been put in place in a bid to halt the speed of coastal erosion in Thorpeness
A third home on a rapidly eroding coastline in a Suffolk village that does not qualify for sea defence funding needs to be demolished “as a matter of urgency”.
East Suffolk Council said in December that erosion on a crumbling cliff in Thorpeness was “slowing down”.
The claim came following the loss of 18m (about 60ft) of cliff and two long-standing homes, which were torn down amid fears they would be swallowed up by the sea.
The authority, however, has now told the BBC that further erosion had occurred as a result of strong winds, and another home needed bulldozing.
“Another of the properties at North End Avenue initially identified as at risk now sadly needs to be demolished as a matter of urgency,” a spokesperson said.
“We have been working closely with the property owner, who has now moved to a place of safety, and we would ask people to respect their privacy at this time.
“Unfortunately, the defences to the south have been impacted, leaving debris on the beach, which will be removed as soon as possible.”
Richard Daniel/BBC
Maureen Jones, chair of Aldringham-cum-Thorpe Parish Council, is calling for emergency action to be taken to safeguard the future of the village
Maureen Jones, chair of Aldringham-cum-Thorpe Parish Council, told the BBC that erosion had accelerated over Christmas and it had “absolutely devastated” the beach.
“We are in fear for the properties that are part of the original village of Thorpe,” she said.
“If we are not careful, I worry this will go along the whole frontage and all of the houses will be taken out, and eventually the whole village will go.”
Richard Daniel/BBC
Thorpeness has experienced serious coastal erosion in the last year, with two homes having to be demolished
The two properties which were torn down towards the end of last year included The Chantry, on North End Avenue, and The Warren, next door.
Defences including rocks, gabions and geobags have been installed in a bid to manage the effects of coastal erosion, and last summer villagers offered to pay for more.
The council said it would not support that proposal due to it not being properly planned, but added it was working with the community on other proposals.
Richard Daniel/BBC
East Suffolk Council previously said coastal erosion in the village was “slowing down”
“[Emergency works need to get under way] immediately or there will be severe flooding down the bottom of Thorpeness,” said Jones.
“The owners of the properties are quite prepared to put in money to safeguard their properties, so East Suffolk Council, please help them.
“We just need to do something to safeguard our wonderful village.”
Richard Daniel/BBC
The Warren was torn down after “critical safety levels” were reached
The latest bout of erosion has occurred further south, and the BBC understands about 7m (22ft) of beach has been lost around the Tinker’s End area in recent days.
The footpath to the beach is now inaccessible due to a precarious 3m (10ft) drop below, and at least four flats, one bungalow and four houses are thought to be at risk.
“We would remind people to take care if walking in this area and to respect the closures already in place to ensure public safety,” the district council said.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “The Environment Agency manages the Coastal Erosion Assistance Grant on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. (Defra)
“Some £6,000 per property is available to support the prompt and safe demolition of homes at greatest risk of loss from erosion.
“East Suffolk Council is part of the £8m resilient coasts project within the Flood and Coast Innovation Programme worth £200m. The project supports people, economies and the environment in coastal frontages at risk.”