Couple Loses Home to Erosion with Days' Notice

An elderly couple, Glenda and Michael Dennington, have been forced to abandon their seaside bungalow in Hemsby, Norfolk, with very little notice due to severe coastal erosion. Storm Goretti exacerbated the issue, rendering their property unsafe and necessitating a rapid evacuation. The couple, in their 80s, expressed their devastation at losing the home they intended to be their final resting place.

Compounding their distress, the couple learned that their insurance policy does not cover coastal erosion, leaving them without financial recourse. They were given one day to leave and two additional days to clear their belongings, relying on volunteers for assistance. The property, which they signed over to the council on January 12, 2026, is slated for demolition this week.

The Denningtons have moved into temporary accommodation, but the situation is particularly difficult for Mr. Dennington, who is recovering from hip surgery. The Norfolk coastline, specifically Hemsby, is experiencing rapid erosion, with experts warning that undefended coastal villages may have no long-term future. This stretch of coast is among the fastest eroding in northern Europe.