Hemsby Marrams homeowners move out ahead of demolition

Homes on the crumbling access road have been emptied ahead of their planned demolition beginning on the weekend.

Last week, five Marrams homeowners were given a Section 77 notice, informing them that they would have to vacate their premises within a week so Great Yarmouth Borough Council could demolish their homes.

The collapsed Marrams road in Hemsby. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)The notices came after two parts of the Marrams road collapsed onto the beach two weeks ago, leaving several homes structurally impaired and without access to emergency vehicles.

Kevin Jordan, who has been living on the road for 13 years, was concerned about removing items from his home due to mobility issues. Following a rallying cry from Hemsby Independent Lifeboat on Thursday, RHT Removals and more than a dozen neighbours were on hand to help Mr Jordan with his move.

Kevin Jordan with the letter he received on Monday advising him to leave his Marrams home. Picture - Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)One such neighbour was Lance Martin who relied on the community to help move his chalet across the road earlier this year as it teetered on the edge of the eroding cliff.

"We're banding together as we do," Mr Martin said.

"Kevin needed help and we're all here to give a hand. It's what makes us strong and we're all in this awful situation together."

Mr Martin's home has been empty since the move in March as his property still required work to be habitable.

Lance Martin looking at the damage to the crumbling Marrams road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Diggers, tippers and cranes are all positioned in Hemsby Lifeboat's car park. The demolition work is expected to take several days as the homes are not accessible by the Marrams road, and crews will have to work according to the tides.

People are being strongly urged to avoid the beach while demolition takes place, and visitors are prohibited from using the access road and footpath until December 18.

A meeting to discuss what action can be taken will take place from 11am on Saturday, December 16 at Hemsby Village Hall on Waters Lane.

Hemsby Independent Lifeboat's second coxswain Alan Jones helping with Kevin Jordan's removal. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)One of the vehicles ready for the demolition of five homes along The Marrams. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Neighbours helping Kevin Jordan move out of his doomed house on The Marrams. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)