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Families of people buried in graves vulnerable to coastal erosion argue that a lack of decision over how to tackle the problem is creating unnecessary distress about the final resting places of their departed family.

An Impending Threat to Historic Graveyards

Local authorities have identified three burial grounds in the villages of Happisburgh, Trimingham, and Mundesley as being at risk of being swallowed by the sea in the next few generations.

A newly published study on the issue details a range of options, from taking no action to disinterring bodies and reburying them in more secure locations. Authorities say it is for the community to determine how to proceed.

“At the moment we’re in a state of uncertainty. It causes me distress. My parents wanted this to be their final resting place, but it won't be because of the sea.”

Estimates suggest at least a portion of one graveyard could be claimed by the sea in the next 80 years, but some locals fear it will happen much sooner. “In my view it’s got less than 20 years, if you consider what’s occurred in the last 30 years,” a farmer stated.

Troubled by the Past

A local business owner recalled a childhood visit to the nearby settlement of Eccles, which has largely disappeared into the sea, along with its place of worship and burial ground.

“It was possible to see people’s bones,” she said. “Some have this romantic idea that the deceased will just get carried away to the ocean. They won’t. People will take bones as souvenirs and go grave robbing in search of treasures. It’s completely disrespectful.”

“I’m worried that the same thing that happened at Eccles will occur at Happisburgh and there’ll be skeletons on the beach. I would feel disgusted by that.”

A Paratrooper's Resting Place in Jeopardy

Along the coast is situated the burial plot of a former paratrooper killed while working abroad. His parent said she could not sleep after learning her son’s grave might one day be moved.

“It truly trouble me to think this won’t be his permanent home,” she said. “For us it’s an significant place to go.”

In her view, new burials should stop but says it is premature to exhume current plots. “What I would choose for now is to do nothing and watch carefully, but an early decision must be made when a critical moment has been attained.”

Seeking Answers and Clarity

The lack of agreement over the timing and method to handle the challenge has left bereaved families feeling exasperated and worried.

Some are calling for more coastal protections to slow the inevitable erosion and to allow burials to proceed for now. Different voices contend the time for relocation is approaching.

“It is very emotive,” said one relative. “The official study was thorough, but now there’s uncertainty about how it is implemented. And all parties is avoiding responsibility over who is responsible.”

A coastal manager confirmed the burial sites were owned and managed of the local diocese. “Ultimately it is down to them to decide the path to take. We are here to help support them through that journey with residents.”

He added there was time to consider all the choices. “This concerns many years before it begins getting lost.”

“There is no common view on what should happen yet. It requires productive community discussions to discover the right solutions for each village.”

The prospect of losing the historic sites was labeled one of “immense sorrow for the area,” but church representatives also referenced a doctrine in resurrection, providing a theological viewpoint on the temporal disappearance of hallowed earth.