Council scheme to help at risk homes welcomed by MP

MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, today welcomed news the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) will buy homes at risk of falling into the sea.

A pilot scheme will see the council buying homes which, it is feared, will disappear as a result of coastal erosion over the next 15 years and then lease them back to their owners.

Graham said: “This is probably the best, and fairest, solution to the problems being faced by people whose homes are the closest to the cliff edge.

“I understand the Government’s reluctance simply to give compensation to homeowners – they knew when they bought their houses that the coast was eroding. This will, however, relieve the worry of those affected and allow residents both the time and the cash to make plans for their futures.”

Money to pay for the project is coming from a £1.2 million Government Pathfinder scheme following years of lobbying by Graham and leading members of East Riding Council.

The money will also be used to help those forced to move out of their homes with rent on temporary accommodation for six months.

Graham added: “The Council finds itself, almost literally, between the devil and the deep blue sea with this issue.

“This is the first Pathfinder money which will be used to help coastal dwellers try and adapt to the ever changing cliff line. I am sure the plan will be refined and perfected in the years ahead.

“We all know the Holderness coastline is dynamic and fast changing, as it always has been, but this is a positive step to tell people who will lose their home that they aren’t on their own and that creative ways will be found to support them.”

It is estimated there are currently around 30 properties along the coast at risk of being lost to coastal erosion in the next 20 years.

The buy-back project is due to be discussed at the Council’s cabinet later today (Tuesday Feb 02, 2010).