Hemsby erosion: Plea for people to avoid climbing the dunes

It has been reported groups of people have been climbing the crumbling dunes by Hemsby Gap over the weekend.

This comes after weeks of erosion in the village, which saw part of a road collapse onto the beach and five homes condemned.

A Marrams home being demolished in March following bouts of erosion. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Hemsby Independent Lifeboat coxswain Daniel Hurd has urged people to avoid climbing the dunes. Not only are they the last line of protection from the sea for some homes, but they pose a high risk of injury for climbers.

Mr Hurd said: "Our concern is that with the debris, broken glass and metal spikes left from the recently demolished homes, someone is going to get seriously hurt."

Last year, Mr Hurd said a large number of people required first aid treatment after they had climbed on the dunes.

CCTV footage of people climbing on Hemsby dunes over the weekend. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)

Over the weekend, Mr Hurd said the police had been called to the area twice following reports of people climbing the dunes and acting antisocially.

"We want people down here to enjoy the beach, but please stay off the dunes," Mr Hurd said.

"If the dunes give way, it can cause a major accident.

"It would be a nightmare."

Large groups of people have been reported to have climbed dunes in Hemsby. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)

Mandie, whose Marrams home is the last one standing on the east side, said more people have been climbing the dunes recently.

"People need to be made aware of the dangers - both to themselves and to the foundations of my home," she said.

"Climbers are going to weaken the only protection my home has from the sea. 

"I just can't understand the mentality. It's like people don't realise the devastation we've faced here."

Another potential hazard when climbing on the dunes is being bitten by adders. From April, the venomous snakes begin their mating period.

The hand of eight-year-old Jake Closier after being bitten by an adder in Hemsby last year. Picture - Sophie Closier (Image: Sophie Closier)

Last year, an eight-year-old boy was left traumatised after being bitten by an adder while walking the dunes in Hemsby.

"We need to protect the wildlife, my home and each other," Mandie said.

"Please just stay away from the dunes."