Coastal Holiday trade under threat

Severe and increasing erosion, dramatically worsening over the past year, is now seriously impacting many of East Anglia’s most popular holiday centres. In addition to the threat to habitation, fear exists that the coastal economy, mainly dependent upon its tourist trade will suffer as a result.

The latest two victims are Hopton and Corton.

Erosion near Hopton's old radar station.

Erosion near Hopton’s old radar station.

Erosion near to Hopton's old radar station.

Erosion near to Hopton’s old radar station.

At Hopton the most of the clifftop path has now been destroyed by the beach loss exacerbated by slippage. All that is left of a once very popular clifftop footpath is a 7 foot width following the fall and loss of ten feet due to the steep frontage undermined by coastal erosion. It is feared the entirety of the amenity will be lost this winter.

Campaigners have long been pressing for more sea defences at Hopton, which puts £60m per year into the tourist economy, but government funding is refused. However, in the latest version of the Shoreline Management Plan which was prepared by authorities including the Environment Agency, DEFRA and local councils, which are vested with the responsibility for managing flooding and erosion at the coast, residents won permission to up-tools and build DIY sea defences at their own expense.

Brian Hardisty, chairman of Hopton Coastal Action Group continues to fight on, and gives updates on the situation to the parish council every meeting.

Corton promenade has been temporarily closed to the public.

Corton promenade has been temporarily closed to the public.

 This photograph shows the main cliff slippage north of Cliff House.

This photograph shows the main cliff slippage north of Cliff House.

At Corton, the entirety of Corton Promenade that ran from Tibbenham’s Score to Cliff House has already been closed by Waveney District Council. Now there are fears of a further landslide following a major cliff cliff collapse just North of Cliff House. The slippage has been aggravated by saturation induced instability due to the recent heavy rains

Already a project supported by Waveney is already seeking to reduce the likelihood of repeat occurrences. In partnership with local businesses, the Waveney Pathfinder project has already commissioned the delivery of a £350,000 cliff top stabilisation scheme which includes a drainage system to address this issue. Efforts are under way to stabilise the cliff at Corton and the remedial works are not due to finish in early March when the bulk of visitors start to appear. however, the council said it aimed to reopen the footpath as soon as it was safe to do so.


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