A petition demanding better sea defences along the north Norfolk coast has been launched.
A petition demanding better sea defences along the north Norfolk coast has been launched.
The Walcott, Bacton and Happisburgh Village Community Action Group is pushing for better protection to prevent a repeat of the floods in December 2013 which left communities devastated.
It follows concerns that they could be excluded from plans to improve the sea defence at nearby Bacton to stop a vital gas site from disappearing into the sea.
Action group spokeswoman Jane Ransom said: 'It is time we all stood together to fight for an effective coastal defence scheme to be implemented as soon as possible to help now and that will be beneficial to all the communities towards our future.'
Some homeowners have seen their insurannce premiums trebled following the tidal surge to cover the properties - but not for flooding.
Earlier this year we revealed 'sandscaping' - when extra sand is distributed on the shoreline - could be used to build a natural sea defence to protect Bacton gas terminal, as part of the Bacton to Walcott Coastal Management Scheme.
However, the local authority has warned that, if more money cannot be found, the operators of the gas terminal - which processes up to one third of the UK gas supply - may go it along with their self-funded coastal protection scheme.
Ms Ransom said: 'Norman Lamb MP (for North Norfolk), has requested that everyone in the communities sign the petition. The more evidential support we can show the government the better it will be for us all in securing extra funding towards a beneficial defence scheme.'
The petitions are available to sign at businesses along the coast, including: Bacton - Poachers Pocket, Keswick Hotel, Gooch's Garage, Burger Shack and Sugar and Spice Café and the Duke Public House. Happisburgh – The Hill House Public House, The Halt, Fair Maiden Shellfish shop. Walcott - The Lighthouse Inn, Walcott Caravan and Chalet Park, The Mace Shop, Kingfisher Cafe, Kingfisher Fish Bar, and Slate Bungalow Rest Stop
Councillor Angie Fitch-Tillett, North Norfolk District Council Portfolio Holder for Coastal Concerns, said: 'The government had pledged £1.8m towards the cost but there was a 'shortfall' of up to £3.5m, totalling £5.3 m.
'I'm 60pc hopeful of a good outcome but it's really a challenging bit of coastal management at the moment.'
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