Work to tear down Jean Flick’s clifftop home in Thorpeness has begun as East Suffolk Council said “critical safety levels” were reached.
The 88-year-old, who is now understood to be staying with family, resided in her seaside home for the past 25 years.
The demolition is expected to take at least 10 days (Image: Joe Giddens/PA)
Photos have shown the work to bring the home down taking place.
Ms Flick, a widow from a farming background, had hoped that defences could be built at the base of the cliffs to help slow coastal erosion.
Another property on her street was taken down in 2022.
Earlier this year, Ms Flick said her “heart will just break” if the house has to be demolished, adding, “it’s my home.”
Jean Flick in the garden at her home in North End Avenue, Thorpeness, (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
Bulldozers have begun tearing down the side of the house after Ms Flick was told nothing could be done to save her house.
The demolition of the home is expected to take about ten days, though strong winds this week may cause delays. The project will cost the council approximately £25,000, with £13,000 of that funded by an Environment Agency grant.
In a statement, an East Suffolk Council spokesperson said: “There has recently been significant erosion at the northern end of Thorpeness, therefore we have been monitoring the area regularly and working closely with residents so that they are aware of and understand their erosion risk.
“Sadly, a property is being demolished due to critical safety levels being reached.
“Preparatory work took place on the site last week, and demolition is scheduled to begin this week.
“It is expected to take between seven and 10 days.
“The demolition agreement has been privately arranged between the property owner and the demolition company.
“East Suffolk Council, as per our usual procedure, is forward funding the costs of demolition and will aim to reclaim some of the costs via an Environment Agency grant.
“We understand that the property owner is currently staying with family.”