Chalets being demolished due to coastal erosion

Work has begun to demolish three chalets at risk of falling on to the beach below.

The cliffs at Pakefield in Suffolk are under threat from coastal erosion despite efforts to shore them up.

A chalet was demolished in February 2022, with three more being taken down this weekend.

Chalet owner Jacky Camping spoke of her "devastation" over the loss of the holiday home that has been in her family for more than 20 years.

"We've been coming up here since I was a baby. It's a place just to escape and feel peace," she said.

"We would have taken more time up here as we retire, but it's gone before we've had that opportunity."

About 2,000 tonnes of rocks were installed along the beach to try to slow down erosion, but concerns remained as winter approached with further storms.

Karen Thomas, from Coastal Partnership East, said: "If we don't act now, properties could end up on the beach, causing both environmental health and safety risks for people."

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