A 15,000-name petition calling for the government to confirm a commitment to protect the Broads from being swamped by the sea will be handed in tomorrow before parliament shuts for the summer.

The bumper document follows a pledge to protect a vulnerable stretch of coast for at least 50 years, made by environment minister Phil Woolas during a recent visit to north east Norfolk.

He defused fears over a Natural England scenario which said one option in the face of coastal erosion was to surrender six villages and 25 square miles of Broads countryside to the sea, if defences were too expensive or difficult.

The minister said he could not foresee any government allowing the famous waterways to flood, but North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb is seeking to firm up that promise through the petition.

“The minister’s visit was a significant breakthrough and brought a great deal of reassurance to people,” he added.

But despite the positive noises, there was still a need to highlight the concerns voiced by 15,500 signatories from all over the world in the petition.

Mr Lamb said Natural England still aimed to release the report, which caused the storm when it was leaked to the EDP.

“I had hoped they would not publish it, as we did not want people confused again, and we need to address the question of social justice for people whose homes are lost to the sea. But I am told it should reflect the minister’s views, so it should be a more positive document.

The petition will be handed in this afternoon, with Mr Lamb addressing the House of Commons before it rises for the summer. The document would be accepted by the speaker, and referred to the appropriate department for a response.

Story in the Eastern Daily Press