Days of relentless rain and powerful winds culminated in a destructive landslip, causing half of Dr. Hiteva’s back garden, including a vegetable patch, palm trees, a laurel hedge, and a boundary wall, to collapse into the Old Roar Gill nature reserve.
Shocking images reveal the extent of the damage, with a public footpath behind the home disintegrating.
Swimming Pool on the Edge
Of particular concern is the family’s swimming pool, now perilously close to the cliff’s edge. Between 20 and 30 trees have already been lost, and the continuous landslip is threatening more destruction.
The local council issued an evacuation order, forcing Dr. Hiteva, her husband, their lodger, and their two dogs to move out for their safety.
Insurance Woes and Council Critique
Despite holding insurance, Dr. Hiteva fears that unless the property sustains physical damage, the provider may not cover the losses.
Frustration mounts as she criticizes the council for lack of support, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures, such as mesh to prevent debris falling into the Gill below.
Community in Crisis
The landslip has not only displaced Dr. Hiteva’s family but also impacted neighbors.
A nurse living nearby has also had to vacate her home, and other neighbors witness their properties succumbing to the landslide.
The instability raises concerns for the safety of the entire community.
Council’s Response and Calls for Action
Hastings Borough Council issued Emergency Prohibition Orders, keeping affected properties off-limits until deemed safe. Dr. Hiteva denounces the council’s response, alleging a lack of care and emergency support.
Calls for urgent action, mesh installation, and structural support to protect the bank resonate, but as of now, responsibility remains uncertain.
Coastal Erosion Concerns
This incident adds to the growing fears of coastal erosion in the UK, with homes sliding into the sea.
Recent storms and climate change accelerate this perilous phenomenon, putting thousands of houses at risk of being lost by 2100. The situation demands immediate attention to protect coastal communities and homes susceptible to erosion.
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