East Yorkshire residents living near eroding cliffs call for more help

COASTAL communities whose homes are on the cliff edge say they feel let down by the lack of support.

The latest data on the crumbling cliffs revealed up to 8m of land had been lost to the sea in some areas in six months.

East Riding Council organised a drop-in session to access the latest coastal erosion maps in one of the worst-hit areas – Skipsea.

Janet Ellis, 67, lives in Green Lane, on the seafront.

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She moved into her home 27 years ago.

"I was told the bungalow would outlive me and it would be 50 to 60 years before it fell into the sea," she said.

"I will be lucky if it lasts another three to five years."

When Mrs Ellis moved into her home, she had a 60ft garden, road and another greenery between her and the sea.

Now, all that remains between her home and the sea is part of her garden.

"The last high tide, the waves were hitting the sun lounge windows," she said.

"I expected there to be some kind of sea defence put in place when I bought my home. I feel let down. I need someone to help me.

"It will cost £16,000 to demolish my home and the only financial help on offer is £6,000.

"I feel the Government has washed its hands of us with us living on the east coast and don't think we exist."

The drop-in sessions, which have taken place in Skipsea, Aldbrough and today in Withernsea, showed the results of the council's bi-annual surveys in spring and autumn.

The work is conducted using GPS monitoring, light detection and ranging technology, and aerial photography to give a precise picture of how the coast has changed since the previous survey.

In the latest figures, taken between March and September last year, areas such as Hornsea south through to Rolston, Mappleton south through to RAF Cowden, Hilston, Waxholme and Withernsea south to Hollym lost up to 5m of land to the sea in six months between March and September last year.

East Riding Council had been given a £1.2m Coastal Change Pathfinder fund from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which was used to help 35 households with practical assistance in dealing with demolishing their homes.

Jacky Mitchell, of Cliff Road, Skipsea, said: "The erosion is something that started the last Ice Age. I'm well off the cliff edge, but I do feel sorry for those who live nearer and are losing their homes. It is sad for them."

The final drop-in session was being held today at Withernsea Pavilion Leisure Centre, from 4pm to 7.30pm.