One of the desperate homeowners hit by a cliff collapse is demanding they get compensation, claiming red tape held up vital defence work.
We showed yesterday how Emma Tullett lost her £190,000 dream home after two landslips left the broken structure literally hanging over the edge.
And at least three more properties are also at risk at Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent.
One is owned by Malcolm Newell, 70, who was evacuated at the weekend. The parish councillor, chair of Eastchurch Gap Erosion Action Group, blames bureaucracy for delaying a £30,000 council scheme to strengthen the cliffs.
He said: “The people who are going to lose their homes need compensation.
“It’s got to come from Central Government. They’re responsible. It was red tape which led to the delay in putting netting in. The decision was going to and fro between departments.
“I’m disgusted by it. They had plenty of time to do something.”
Malcolm, now living in a hotel, bought his bungalow for £67,000 in 2001. Four years ago, he also paid £103,000 for a bungalow on the same street for granddaughter Gemma Stanley, 33.
She and her family were also evacuated at the weekend but have been allowed to move back in.
And the home of an elderly couple remains cordoned off.
In 2014, locals launched a group to pressure the Environment Agency and Natural England to install netting.
But the scheme did not get under way until April 2016.
Emma, 42, could not get a mortgage when she bought her property – called Cliffhanger – in 2018 due to its location.
And the mum of five, now in temporary digs, could not get insurance.
Retired wood turner Malcolm has buildings and contents insurance but said: “I’m not sure I’ll be covered.”
Swale Borough Council was contacted for comment.
