Norfolk beach could be closed for decades over erosion dangers

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Unless the authorities get the ball rolling, we’re probably looking at another 20 years before the beach opens.” Mr Hurd said the beach had been so badly affected by erosion that concrete debris from Second World War invasion defences had resurfaced. He added: “We’ve all got families, we’re all volunteers, none of us get paid, but every time something happens down here it seems to be the lifeboat crew at the head of it. “It was us ringing power networks to get power lines taken down and removed from the properties at risk.” Chris Batten, the crew’s secretary and helmsman, said the damage was caused by the cumulative effects of multiple high tides and strong winds, rather than an especially strong storm surge. “We’re losing our beach and our beach is our main income in the summer with the tourists and holidaymakers – 85% of our income is from tourists and we just want the Government to help us, but we don’t seem to be getting anywhere fast.” Mr Kyriacou, who runs a leisure business and a car workshop, added: “The lifeboat crew down there are working so hard to protect everything.