Council remains vigilant as Storm Darragh brings risk of erosion to beach and dunes

With high winds and tides predicted over the next few days, Great Yarmouth Borough Council is offering advice to people in the Marrams in Hemsby whose homes could be affected by further erosion of the dunes.

The Met Office has warned that Storm Darragh could bring gusts of up to 60mph to the Norfolk coast from Saturday afternoon through to Sunday afternoon, and coastal experts say the low pressure means there is a risk waves and high tides could see beach and dune erosion. 

Of the few properties most at risk, all but two are unoccupied. Residents are being visited by the council and offered assistance if they require it. 

The advice follows the council's preparation over the past 18 months to establish a good understanding of individual circumstances so it is able to offer appropriate support for those who need it.

A GYBC spokesperson said: "Unfortunately the dunes in Hemsby are vulnerable to continued erosion and, now we are in storm season, we want to provide as much warning and support as we can to those residents who might be affected in a location which is seeing the all-too-real impact of costal erosion.

"The council remains vigilant and will continue to monitor the situation and take any action necessary to maintain the safety of residents." 

The Marrams has been closed to traffic for some time because further sections of the road may be lost. People are advised to avoid the area and remove any vehicles from The Marrams to avoid the risk of them being stranded.