Residents whose homes are sliding into the sea are tentatively celebrating as they await the approval of rescue plans.

Rother District Council obtained 100 per cent funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to carry out the £3.3 million cliff restoration work at Fairlight Cove, near Hastings. last year.

The work was postponed because English Nature objected, saying the cliffs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and should remain for future generations to study.

However, last week English Nature withdrew their objection and came to an agreement "in principle" with the council to enable the work to begin next April.

The council is still waiting for the decision in writing. Frank Rallings, the council's head of planning, said: "We are hoping to have clearance in the very near future so we can grant planning permission, Defra can release the funds to do the work, and the scheme can be implemented as soon as possible.

"It's been over two-and-a-half years of discussions and we are hoping for a satisfactory conclusion."

Almost 200 homes could be saved and residents' financial future secured if the work is carried out soon.

For some the agreement has come too late. Keith Somerville, 53, of Rockmead Road, Fairlight Cove, has been told to leave his house as it cannot be saved.

Mr Somerville, who has lived in the house with his partner for three years, said: "The house is just about to go. It's on the move and one of the walls is going. We have been told English Nature is now on board and they were the ones holding it up. Any work they do now will be too late for our home.

"We bought it knowing the risks. There are some people who stand to lose everything if they lose their home so I hope the work does start in April."

Former Rockmead Road resident Nick Carter had to be rehomed ten days ago as cracks had appeared in the ground underneath his caravan.

He has been living in the caravan on his land after his house fell off the cliff a few years ago.

Every so often he moves the caravan away from the edge but he reached the roadside and could move no further.

Jim Saphin, 58, of Smugglers Way, Fairlight Cove, is one of the lucky ones. From his home he can see the erosion in progress but if the works begin there is a good chance his home will be saved.

The retired British Airways cabin crew employee said: "It's been pretty bad up here for two years but now we are beginning to think we can open the Champagne.

We have lived here for ten years and we have lost 20 metres in that time.

"It looks like it is good news but we have to get it in writing from Rother District Council.

"Sadly it is too late for a couple of houses and if we have a lot of rain before the work starts we could still lose a lot more properties."