House set to be demolished due to coastal erosion

A house which its owner feared would not survive through the winter is set to be demolished.

East Suffolk Council said a property in Thorpeness, Suffolk, would be torn down after "critical safety levels" were reached.

Jean Flick, 88, whose family member confirmed the house was being bulldozed, previously told the BBC she hoped to stay in her home for as long as possible.

Mark Packard, cabinet member for planning and coastal management, said the council had "worked closely" with the owner to ensure they were "fully aware of the situation".

A spokesperson for the council said: "There has recently been significant erosion at the northern end of Thorpeness and [we are] working closely with residents so that they are aware of and understand their erosion risk."

Ms Flick had hoped it might be possible to build defences at the foot of the sandy cliffs to slow the ongoing threat of erosion.

Mr Packard, Liberal Democrat councillor, said losing a home to "coastal erosion is extremely distressing".

The family were approached, but they did not want to comment.

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