Further erosion in Hemsby has sparked concerns about the future of the resort's vital summer trade, with locals fearing its seafront car park is about to fall victim to the waves.

The North Sea claimed several more metres of dunes from the Gap area during this morning's high tide. The recently restored slipway was also damaged, creating a sheer drop of 4ft.

The Beach Road car park has now been fully exposed to the sea on the northside putting the car park, lifeboat station and businesses in the area at risk.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The dune's collapse has put both the Beach Road car park and the Lifeboat Station at risk of flooding. Picture - James WeedsThe dune's collapse has put both the Beach Road car park and the Lifeboat Station at risk of flooding. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Save Hemsby Coastline chairman Simon Measures said the car park could be the sea's next victim, and thought this could start to happen "within days".

"I'm terrified of tonight's high tide and tomorrow's," he added.

"If we lose a chunk of the car park, lots of tourists won't be able to park here.

"And then they'll just go somewhere else - and there's guarantee it will be in other parts of the borough.

"This could cause huge issues for all the businesses in the village.

"If the waves topple over, we're flooded. It’s that simple."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Save Hemsby Coastline chairman Simon Measures. Picture - James WeedsSave Hemsby Coastline chairman Simon Measures. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Mr Measures said there is also concern from residents about the potential of losing their homes.

"We're hopeful to be here for the summer," he added. "But it is a big concern."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The recently restored slipway by the Gap has lost more material overnight. Picture - James WeedsThe recently restored slipway by the Gap has lost more material overnight. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Beach Road homeowners Stan and Gill Paddington heard the dune collapse at around 4am.

"It's very worrying," said Mrs Paddington.

"We were told we had 50 years here. 

"And we've been here for five. It looks like we only have months left."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: There is now a sheer drop of around 4 foot at the beach entrance in Hemsby. Picture - James WeedsThere is now a sheer drop of around 4 foot at the beach entrance in Hemsby. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)With Hemsby Independent Lifeboat station now at greater risk, second coxswain Alan Jones said crew will need to discuss a Plan B.

"We need to think of the future of our Broads rescue service," he said.

"If the car park goes, we can't get the boat out and save lives. All we want to do is keep the service active, and keep people safe in the sea and along the Broads."

Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) said it continues to provide advice and assistance to people living in the area.

A GYBC spokesman said: ‘’Following further erosion of the dunes at Hemsby, the council officers are at the area to monitor and assess the situation. As always, appropriate advice and assistance will be provided to those in the community who need help.’’

For more information about what the council's response to ongoing erosion at Hemsby, visit www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/hemsby-and-coastal-erosion/introduction