Rupert Lowe's battle to save Norfolk village from erosion

The coastline at Hemsby has suffered severe erosion over recent years and in October 2023, another 2m to 4m of beach was lost to the sea.

Just last week strong winds and high tides stripped more sand from Hemsby Beach and a two-metre drop in the sand ramp to the lifeboat station has left the crew unable to launch their boat.

Waves batter the coast at Hemsby during high tide (Image: Ln Drone Photography) MP for Great Yarmouth, Rupert Lowe, says he has been fighting for his threatened constituents in the village ever since he was elected in July.

Mr Lowe claimed he would "camp outside the office" of the water and flooding minister Emma Hardy, saying he had a call with her a month ago but was still awaiting a reply.

And now he has galvanised the support of the Great Yarmouth Borough Council Conservative and Labour groups as they have signed Mr Lowe's letter to secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Steve Reed.

The letter calls for Mr Reed and Ms Hardy to visit Hemsby to see how severe the problem is in the village.

They will also be asked to secure funding for sea defences and changing rules around them.

Rupert Lowe's letter to MP Steve Reed, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs and MP Emma Hardy, minister responsible for coastal defences (Image: MP Rupert Lowe) Rupert Lowe's letter to MP Steve Reed, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs and MP Emma Hardy, minister responsible for coastal defences (Image: MP Rupert Lowe) READ MORE: Stunning drone images show waves battering the threatened coastline at Hemsby

READ MORE: Photos show impact of 30 years of ferocious erosion on Hemsby's coast

Among those to sign it are Norfolk County Council leader Kay Mason Billig, the leader of the Labour Group at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Trevor Wainwright and Carl Smith who is leader of the Conservatives in Great Yarmouth.

A host of local businesses and people living in the threatened village have also signed the letter.

Reform UK MP, Rupert Lowe (Image: PA/MAJA SMIEJKOWSKA) Mr Lowe said: "Thanks to the Great Yarmouth Conservative and Labour groups for their speedy response - it is encouraging to see all parties come together in order to fight for the people of Hemsby.

"Steve Reed MP, the Minister, made a promise to change the funding criteria, and we will do everything in our power to hold him to account.”

An aerial image shows the eroding cliffs at Hemsby (Image: Mike Page)