Rock berm now: Hemsby Independent Lifeboat after erosion

So said the coxswain of Hemsby Independent Lifeboat (HILB) as the village lost more of its coastline on the weekend.

A further 4m was lost by Hemsby Gap on Saturday, resulting in the collapse of a former service road and a burst water main, leaving homes without water for some time.

The slipway for the Lifeboat and beachgoers eroded after the weekend's high tides. Picture - HILB (Image: HILB)Crew from the independent Lifeboat reconnected the water mains over the weekend and safeguarded residents, with one villager temporarily relocated by Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

But coxswain Daniel Hurd said: "The worst is yet to come.

"And we've only got a matter of time.

"This is very frustrating for all concerned, particularly as we had predicted this. And no affirmative action has been taken.

"That rock berm needs to be here tomorrow. Not next year."

Coxswain Daniel Hurd (centre-right) with residents and HILB crew by Hemsby Gap. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)The village was successfully granted a licence for a 1.3km long rock berm in March. The sea defence, which will be built into the southern edge of Hemsby beach, has a 20-year lifespan and will provide the village more time for a longer-term solution.

However, funding for the multi-million-pound scheme has yet to be secured.

The latest bout of erosion also resulted in the loss of the Lifeboat's slipway - temporarily rendering them out of service - and some outbuildings for one resident were also lost.

With strong winds and high tides expected on the weekend, Hemsby Independent Lifeboat's coxswain said the worst is yet to come. Picture - HILB (Image: HILB)"It's just relentless," Mr Hurd added.

"Sections of the dunes to the immediate north and south of the Gap are in real danger of collapse, so we urge residents and visitors to be extra vigilant. 

"Members of the crew worked for most of the day to re-establish the water mains. We appreciate this is not the responsibility of the Lifeboat, but the need for support for the residents was seen as a top priority.

"Our frustration is enhanced because we predicted this months ago, and no truly positive action has been taken by those who have the power to make a difference."

Hemsby Independent Lifeboat is back in service for offshore callouts. Picture - HILB (Image: HILB)Hemsby Independent Lifeboat was back in service on Sunday.

The coxswain has also raised fears for the weekend, with more strong winds and high tides expected.