West Norfolk Council leader Terry Parish accuses Stuart Dark of ‘frightening residents’ over flood defences in Snettisham

West Norfolk Council leader Terry Parish accused Conservative leader Stuart Dark of continuing his “efforts to frighten residents” over flood defences on the coast.

At Thursday’s full borough council meeting, Cllr Dark had asked what measures have been taken to strengthen a shingle ridge at Snettisham since worries were raised last year about residents digging into it, potentially weakening it.

However, Cllr Parish insisted there is currently no problem with the ridge, and said a report at the end of April will determine whether any work is required on it.

He said that in 30 or 40 years, a “huge storm” could cause it to “vanish”, and added: “It is called coastal erosion – it happens all round the coast.”

“Well, Cllr Dark, I think you are continuing your efforts to frighten residents, to be honest with you,” he said.

Cllr Dark had asked the question on behalf of Snettisham residents, calling for Cllr Parish to provide an update on what dialogue he has had with MPs, Norfolk County Council and the Environment Agency since the end of last year.

“What I don’t want to see on this one is that you did too little too late,” Cllr Dark said.

The borough council’s environment and community panel announced it would be carrying out a review of West Norfolk’s sea defences last year.

Cllr Parish was to write to the Environment Agency and to the Government’s Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

He was seeking “support and reassurance” for those who live in the likes of Hunstanton, Heacham and Snettisham.