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A woman has been left 'heartbroken' as her beloved seaside home is getting demolished. Jean Flick, 88, who has lived in her coastal property in Thorpeness, Suffolk for 25 years, previously said she would be 'devastated' if her home had to be torn down. Jean's clifftop home was at risk of being lost to the sea after 'critical safety levels' were reached. Just last month, she expressed her wish to remain in the house as long as it was safe, but this week saw the start of the demolition process due to what the local council termed as "significant erosion". Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE The demolition is anticipated to span between seven and 10 days. Earlier this year, Ms Flick voiced her heartache, stating that her "heart will just break" if the house has to be demolished "because it's my home". Jean, who is now believed to be living with relatives, initially hoped that it might be feasible to construct defences at the base of the cliffs to slow down the coastal erosion. Another residence on her street was torn down in 2022. In a statement, a spokesperson for East Suffolk Council 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." Mark Packard, cabinet member for planning and coastal management at East Suffolk Council, said: "Losing a home to coastal erosion is extremely distressing. "East Suffolk Council has worked closely with the owner of this property over recent months to ensure they were fully aware of the situation and have had time to remove their belongings and arrange the demolition of their property in a planned, safe and dignified manner." After losing her first husband to cancer, Ms Flick wed again in 1999 and purchased her Thorpeness home with her second spouse for a new beginning. She revealed they were "very happy" there before her second husband also passed away from cancer. Ms Flick explained she had been informed that should the cliff edge reach within five metres of the house, the property would need to be demolished. The residence was constructed in 1928 and featured five bedrooms, now four after one was converted into a lounge for the ocean view. Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here
