Hemsby erosion: Pictures show 30 years of devastation

The village is still reeling from three weeks of erosion which saw the beach entrance by Hemsby Gap closed, a halt in offshore call-outs for the village's independent Lifeboat, a home being moved away from the cliff edge and several homes were demolished with another pulled down today (March 17).

Flying photographer Mike Page has shared six images highlighting the extent of changes Hemsby has seen over 30 years of erosion.

The Marrams in Hemsby in 1993. The arrow shows the location of the chalet now belonging to Lance Martin. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

In 1993, the home now belonging to Lance Martin stood between two dunes on The Marrams. Despite a 40m span between the property and the cliff edge, erosion was becoming more of a threat as two homes were already in peril.

Lance Martin's home in 2019. Mr Martin had moved his home away from the nearing cliff edge one year before. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

After eroding cliffs claimed more and more of Mr Martin's back garden over the years, he moved his chalet closer to the road.

However, recent high spring tides claimed more of his land, and on Thursday, Mr Martin was forced to relocate again.

Lance Martin's home on March 11, 2023. With his home teetering on the cliff edge, Mr Martin decided to move his home once again five days after this photo was taken. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

The picture below shows Hemsby Gap in the summer of 2003. Hundreds of people can be seen enjoying the weather and swimming on the shore, which was around 40m away from the Gap entrance.

Hundreds of people flocked to Hemsby beach in 2003. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

Following the storm surge of 2013 - which led to several Marrams homes being condemned - a cliff was starting to form around the Gap.

Over the following decade, the emerging cliff was levelled multiple times to ensure beachgoers and Hemsby Lifeboat's vessel could still gain access.

Hemsby beach in December 2013 following the tidal surge. Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)

The photo below was taken at the high spring tide three weeks ago.

There is now a sheer drop at the Gap and access to the beach remains prohibited to the public and the lifeboat crew.

There are ongoing discussions between Hemsby Lifeboat, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Marine Management Organisation on the village's next steps.

The council said it is also in contact with the owners of the dunes, Geoffrey Watling (Norwich) Ltd to seek their support.

Hemsby beach on March 11, 2023 high spring tides. Beach access by the Gap has remained closed following further bouts of erosion Picture: Mike Page (Image: Mike Page)