Debate over coastal erosion in Norfolk and Suffolk, including Lowestoft, to be discussed at Westminster

Concerns over coastal erosion in Suffolk and Norfolk are set to be raised at Westminster next week.

This follows last month’s coastguard warnings that the cliff areas at Pakefield Holiday Park, in Lowestoft, were ‘extremely dangerous’, with several homes being evacuated and moved to other parts of the site.

The debate will be led by Waveney MP, Peter Aldous, who said both counties had been taking ‘a real battering’ during a session in the Commons last week.

Mr Aldous has called for more funding to be allocated to mitigate the impact of high tides and wind gusts.

Cllr David Beavan, East Suffolk’s deputy leader, said a further £120m in funding was ‘desperately needed’ to fund a tidal barrier in Lowestoft, essential to prevent surge tides flooding Lake Lothing and other low-lying and in the centre of the town.

He added: “We are doing all the right things along the coast, rolling back caravans at Pakefield, retreating at Benacre but Lowestoft can’t become a saltmarsh.

“We have diversified from shipbuilding and fishing to an energy coast but unless we get central funding for our tidal barrier, we will be sunk.”

In Norfolk, similar continued coastline erosion has also resulted in houses being demolished, with concerns over the future of certain towns and villages growing.

Cllr Noel Galer, who represents Hemsby, a village heavily impacted by the narrowing coastline, said he would be keen on the introduction of a coastal minister as the topic becomes mainstream.

In his estimation, with the village reliant on tourism, the dangers of coastal erosion could put its future in danger.

He said: “I’m very concerned that erosion will affect the economy, the businesses, and ultimately the many people who work in Hemsby.”

Back in Suffolk, a tidal barrier, Cllr Beavan said, would save 1,500 homes and businesses from the current rate of coastal erosion in the town.

He continued: “It would take the guts out of Lowestoft — all the money we’re putting into Lowestoft would be wasted if we don’t save it.

“We really want to redevelop the whole waterfront for housing but we can’t do that if it’s in the sea.”