Homes threatened by the sea

A Martello Tower on the coast at Bawdsey is under threat

The owners of three properties on the Suffolk coast may be forced to pay thousands of pounds to shore them up against the advancing sea.

Suffolk Coastal District Council said homeowners at East Lane in Bawdsey will be asked to contribute towards sea defence work.

The local council and the Environment Agency wanted to invest £100,000 in a permanent solution, but the government has cut funding for the project because it says there is greater need elsewhere.

Councillor Andy Smith, the cabinet member for planning, told BBC News Online that Defra has diverted money meant to help stop coastal erosion to inland areas threatened by rising rivers.

Properties 'could be lost'

He said: "They have not expanded the total pot of money available for flooding and coastal defence, and coastal defence has got significantly less."

But the coastline is creeping in at the rate of one to two feet each week, which means the properties could be lost within two years.

The council said the cost of placing rocks in front of the properties as a temporary measure will cost up to £45,000 each year.

In September, urgent maintenance of the defences in front of the cliff top properties were carried out by the council in conjunction with the residents.

Historic structure

The defences worked, but because of high tides and storms, they are showing signs of wear and tear.

Mr Smith said: "We've got to try to get something better out of the government."

But in the meantime, he said, property owners will be asked to contribute funds.

He said that since an historic Martello Tower is one of the properties on the coast, English Heritage may be asked to put up money as well.

"Every little is going to help."