A gran faces her new home being gobbled up by coastal erosion just a decade after her failed attempt to save her former bungalow from falling into the sea.
Known as 'Granny Canute', Bryony Nierop-Reading, 78, was compelled to vacate her three-bedroom property in December 2013 when a portion of it collapsed onto the beach below.
After residing in a caravan, she moved to a semi-detached home known as The Old Coastguard, farther inland in Happisburgh, Norfolk, in 2017.
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Just five years later she fears she might have only a few months left in her current residence, as the encroaching cliffs, just 80 feet away, pose a renewed threat.
A sequence of aerial photographs spanning 25 years vividly illustrate the alarming pace of erosion near Bryony's home on Beach Road, Happisburgh.
Bryony said: "I'm absolutely terrified now. Every morning, I observe the cliff edge closing in from my bathroom window. I anticipated this would happen someday, but the speed has shocked me.
"I feel immense anger toward our government's lack of action in protecting our coastline."
In addition to her current home being at risk, Bryony owns half a field near Happisburgh Community Car Park, which is also in danger of succumbing to the sea.
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She expressed concern for her grandchildren's inheritance, stating: "I've bequeathed it to my grandchildren, but at this rate, there might be nothing left for them unless I pass away soon. It's time to take a stand and safeguard our coastline."
Bryony earned the moniker 'Granny Canute' due to her earlier efforts to safeguard her initial house from coastal erosion. Acquiring the 1930s property for £25,000 in 2009, she saw its proximity to the cliff edge shrink from around 20ft to the brink of collapse in just four years. Parts of it were demolished as a result.
Rather than relocating away from the coast, Bryony opted to remain in her new property, acknowledging the possibility of a similar fate. Her determination to continue advocating for coastal preservation led her to this decision, fearing that moving inland might halt her activism.
She now remains committed to safeguarding historical structures in the village.
"I've observed that those further inland are less concerned about coastal erosion. Living on the edge is a conscious choice; it's now at risk again, but it underscores the urgency when I witness the cliff drawing nearer," she added.
"Homes can be relocated, but historical artefacts cannot. Preserving our coastline is crucial to protecting landmarks like the lighthouse, church, and pub from being lost forever."
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