Village campaigners forced to change name after locals mock unfortunate acronym

23 January 2024 , 20:35

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The 'SHAG' action group against coastal erosion led to ridicule and mockery among locals in Norfolk (Image: No credit)

A local campaign group has been forced to rebrand itself after confused members objected to its rude name.

Committee members threatened to quit the 'Save Happisburgh Action Group' after an unfortunate acronym - 'SHAG' - led to ridicule and mockery among locals in Norfolk.

Bryony Nierop-Reading, who started the group and lives in the village, said: "I thought it was catchy and attracted attention." She added: "I don't care what it's called as long as we get on with it, which is what we're doing now." Miss Nierop-Reading, who lives in Happisburgh, Norfolk said she chose the name because a shag is a breed of seabird which fights for survival.

Bryony Nierop-Reading said she thought the name was 'catchy and attracted attention' (No credit)

The group will now go by the name 'Save Happisburgh' instead. They are campaigning to protect the village's famous lighthouse, as well as the church, pub and people's homes after 10m of cliff eroded since last year.

North Norfolk District Council said investing in new sea defences is "not realistically feasible" due to affordability. More than 1,000 homes will be lost to coastal erosion in north Norfolk over the next 100 years, according to current estimates.

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Last month, a disabled man living 15 miles along the coast in Hemsby told the Mirror he was suing the Government after his seaside home had to be demolished because of coastal erosion. Kevin Jordan was told his bungalow would be safe for a century when he paid £85,000 for it in 2009. But in December, 50mph winds and a 3.7m tide forced his home and four others to be pulled down. The 70-year-old had to pack up his belongings and move into emergency accommodation.

The Government will cover the cost of the demolition, but Kevin will not get any compensation. Speaking of his concerns for those still living in Hemsby, which is the fastest eroding coastline in Europe, he said: “They are all living on the edge down there. This whole community will soon be lost. I’m now living in a one-bedroom flat in a village of social housing. My battle is lost. But I’m carrying on with the fight for others.”

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Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas