Demolition of the symbolic large terraced homes teetering on Happisburgh's eroding cliff edge got under way in earnest today.

The clearance was temporarily halted yesterday after two birds' nests were discovered on the buildings and North Norfolk District Council carried out its legal duty to inform Natural England of the finds.

A mother starling failed to return to one of the nests after the weekend's storms and the chicks died, according to Beach Road resident Bryony Neirop-Reading, who declined NNDC's offer to buy her at-risk home and demolish it.

Mrs Neirop-Reading said the demolition contractors had told her the other nest was a wagtail's and contained eggs.

She had agreed that it should be moved into a shed on her property and the 'necessary paperwork' was being prepared this morning.

'It's a very sad day. I'm gritting my teeth while they get on with the demolition,' she added.

An NNDC spokesman was unable to confirm all the details today but diggers and grabbers were busy on the site in the afternoon, tearing down the houses.

Once cleared, the area is due to be landscaped and plans have been lodged for nine replacement homes in the village.