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Search the Public Notice PortalRock star Justin Hawkins is calling for action in a bid to protect homes from coastal erosion - starting with his parents' house.
The flamboyant frontman and lead guitarist of rock band The Darkness launched an online campaign to highlight how homeowners in his "beloved Corton" could be forced to leave their properties amid the ongoing threat of coastal erosion.
Mr Hawkins, a former Pakefield Middle and Kirkley High School (now East Point Academy) pupil, hails from Lowestoft and while he has moved away from the area his parents Sandy and Harry Hawkins still live in the village of Corton.
And "back at home" with his parents at the weekend, the musician, singer, songwriter and popular Youtuber took to Instagram to express his anger at how his 71-year-old and 83-year-old parents were among householders being encouraged to demolish their homes to go live somewhere else.
According to the latest figures, Suffolk has some of the fastest eroding coast in Europe with 2,500 homes at direct risk.
Coastal erosion in Corton has long been a concern.
The area has benefited from coastal protection since the late 19th century.
Major works were completed in 1990 following severe erosion, with additional improvements made in 2005.
But now these defences - which are the responsibility of East Suffolk Council - are coming to the end of its lifespan having suffered major damage, as they are considered unsafe and beyond cost-effective repair.
At a drop-in event in Corton in September, residents were told: "Corton’s existing coastal defences are now at the end of their design life and have sustained significant storm damage, leaving parts unsafe and beyond cost-effective repair through routine maintenance.
"East Suffolk Council’s Coastal Management and Adaptation Team (CMAT) continue to monitor the structural issues with the defences to ensure the appropriate health and safety measures are in place."
A post on Mr Hawkins' official Instagram page over the weekend said: "Activist mode enabled - What do you mean (WDYM) they aren’t going to renew the sea defences and residents of my beloved Corton are being encouraged to demolish their houses and go live somewhere else?
"It’s a bloody cheek."
In a video post shared with his 282,000 followers, he added: "I'm back at home with father and mother.
"So I've just been for a run down the coast and I was forbidden for going along the promenade cause this has just been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.
"There not going to renew the sea defences apparently, and someone from the council came round and spoke to you dad didn't they?"
His father said: "Yes, yeah they just said we advise you to knock your house down and clear off, basically."
Justin Hawkins replied: "So, my 71-year-old and 83-year-old parents are now obliged to take a small plot of land in a different town and begin a building project - which, that's just not on.
"It's a bloody cheek.
"So, here begins my transition into the Fergal Sharkey of coastal sea defences and I'm going to bombard your feed with outraged posts about this bloody awful piece of neglect."
Last winter the walkway promenade between Baker’s Score and Tibbenham’s Score in Corton was closed after winter storms caused significant damage.
In June, the council improved signage and installed more secure fencing.
After the Environment Agency updated its national coastal erosion risk map last year, it showed "property at risk" in the area.
An East Suffolk Council spokesman said: "Following damage to the promenade between Baker’s Score and Tibbenham’s Score during last winter, East Suffolk Council closed the footpath earlier this year to protect public health and safety.
“The footpath runs over a coastal defence that was improved in 2003/4, extending its lifespan for an estimated 20 years.
"Through our regular coastal monitoring, we have observed changes to the cliff in this location, which indicates the defence is now reaching the end of its design life.
“The defences are beyond cost-effective repair through routine maintenance and would need to be replaced.
"We have previously investigated the possibility of a defence scheme, which in 2022 was costed at approximately £26 million.
"This cost would now be significantly higher.
"We may be eligible to claim Environment Agency funding for such a scheme, which we estimate would provide between £1.5 - £2 million.
"This leaves a funding gap of at least £25 million, and we are simply unable to meet this shortfall.
“We have been engaging with residents and businesses who are located closest to the cliff edge to share the latest information and to support them as much as possible in planning for the future."
With a community drop-in event held in September, the council said it provided "an opportunity for people to learn more about the situation, ask questions, and discuss any concerns."
Another community drop-in event is set to be arranged in due course.
The council spokesman added: "We are continuing to engage with and support affected residents and businesses.
“The homeowners have received early advice on preparedness for any possible demolition should erosion progress to a point where the property becomes unsafe.
"When homeowners lose their home to erosion, they are eligible for a planning right for an equivalent plot elsewhere in the district if this is something they wish to consider.
"This option has been discussed with Mr and Mrs Hawkins.”
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