Communities at risk from coastal erosion or blight should get help from European funding, said a Norfolk Euro MP on a visit to a wintry shoreline.Richard Howitt said previous funding had helped with studies to increase understanding of coastal issues, but local people wanted to see money “making a difference” by paying for defences.

Communities at risk from coastal erosion or blight should get help from European funding, said a Norfolk Euro MP on a visit to a wintry shoreline.

Richard Howitt said previous funding had helped with studies to increase understanding of coastal issues, but local people wanted to see money “making a difference” by paying for defences.

During a visit to see the final the last day of a £8m beach strengthening scheme at Sea Palling and Eccles he said he was “optimistic” of securing some help.

The current works, which would be topped up every two years, had boosted local people's confidence that something was being done to protect them.

It was important for affected villages to have a powerful voice in the process, and Mr Howitt welcomed the formation of the new Norfolk Coastal Group of Parishes, whose representatives joined him on his visit.

Group spokesman Mike Walker said it was good to have European interest in what was a worldwide issue of climate change and rising sea levels.

They were also keen on getting access to funding which could help with community projects such as seeking a television or DVD feature on the coast, and involving schoolchildren who were likely to be the most affected by the issue in the next 50 years.