Locals in an erosion-threatened north Norfolk village say they have been “betrayed” by the government after being "snubbed" of £25m of new sea defences for north Norfolk.
Works to build rock defences at Cromer and Mundesley got under way last week, but Happisburgh will not benefit from the multimillion-pound government-funded scheme.
The rate of erosion at Happisburgh is happening at twice the rate projected, leaving homes, businesses and the village’s clifftop car park at serious risk of falling into to the sea.
Bryony Nierop-Reading, whose Beach Road home is next in line to be lost to the sea, said locals are "livid" that the village has not received any funding.
"We feel betrayed by the government and that it’s totally unpatriotic to let chunks of the country, like Happisburgh, be lost to the sea," Mrs Nierop-Reading, who is a campaigner for the Save Happisburgh group, said.
READ MORE: Woman whose bungalow fell into the sea now 'terrified' her new home is next
"I don’t think there’s anybody in Happisburgh who’s not upset by this. We’re in as much need as Mundesley is."
Happisburgh's famous lighthouse, 15th century church, and village pub could all soon be claimed by the North Sea.
Clive Stockton, who has owned the Hill House Inn for more than 30 years, said thousands of years of heritage is set to be lost.
"The vast majority of people have no idea what’s at risk of being lost," he said.
READ MORE: Coastal defences 'not feasible' at Norfolk village being lost to sea, says council
"All that we own, our only asset the pub and our home, is now worthless.
"The government has stolen our retirement, which is no longer an option."
Liz Howard, who lives on the front line in Beach Road, added: "Every morning we look out of our windows to see how much closer it’s getting.
"I look at Happisburgh as a place of medieval history – a settlement for thousands of years which people still call home today.
"In the long term, what are they doing to Norfolk if Happisburgh is washed away?
"We’ll lose all that history."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel