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Shelley Cowlin, an 89-year-old woman who lost her home earlier this year due to coastal erosion in Thorpeness, Suffolk, has issued a firm warning to visitors drawn to the area. After her house, where she had lived for 48 years, was demolished in January, she expressed her distress over tourists who come to observe the damage, sometimes even taking items from local gardens. Cowlin described such behavior as “sick” and urged these so-called “trauma tourists” to respect the privacy and feelings of villagers affected by the ordeal.
Now residing in a holiday rental that she says does not feel like “home,” Cowlin emphasized the emotional toll the situation has taken. She called out those who appear to find amusement or satisfaction in others’ misfortune. “We don’t want people relishing in glee at the tragedy of other people,” she stated, highlighting the insensitivity of gawking visitors.
Cowlin recounted unsettling encounters she and other residents have endured since the demolition. Some individuals have falsely claimed to be her gardener or relatives in order to gain access, even attempting to take personal property. She explained, “We had one fellow deciding to remove my ornamental flower pots and then another guy decided he was my so-called gardener and he was not. I have a very nice gardener and it was not him.” She expressed bewilderment at the mindset behind such actions, questioning the motives of those photographing the ruins. “It’s just not on,” she said.
The coastal village has witnessed significant deterioration this winter, with four homes already demolished and six more slated for demolition starting Monday. A meeting addressing the crisis, led by Suffolk Coastal’s Labour MP Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, drew over 150 attendees, focusing on immediate measures and future plans to safeguard the coastline. East Suffolk Council, which oversees 48 miles of coastline and spent £750,000 last year on sea defences, continues to provide assistance to homeowners facing forced home demolition. A council spokesperson appealed for public sensitivity, urging visitors to avoid the affected areas: “This is an incredibly difficult time for homeowners facing demolition and for all Thorpeness residents. We would urge people to be considerate to the local community and refrain from visiting the affected area wherever possible.” Reflecting on her own feelings, Cowlin concluded, “I’ll never go up that road again ever.
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