Early this morning, I joined local councillors and the independent lifeboat crew at Hemsby ahead of high tides that were predicted to cause further coastal erosion.

It is distressing to see such extensive damage caused by the combination of high tides and strong winds. Of immediate concern is making sure that residents are safe, which is why the council has implemented an evacuation of affected properties.

I will continue to pursue Government support to manage the impact of coastal erosion both in Parliament and in direct contact with ministers and civil servants. However, the situation in Hemsby requires a local solution. I will put extra pressure on the Marine Management Organisation to speed up the granting of necessary licences and continue to liaise with the borough council. But for any long-term solution to be successful it requires active engagement from the landowner who owns the private beach areas along the coast. Without their wholehearted co-operation any remedial works will be stymied. It’s time they too stepped up to the plate.