Coastal path future uncertain after landslide

The "extremely dangerous" path has been cordoned off

The future of a coastal path is uncertain, following a "serious" landslide.

Ladye Bay, near Clevedon, North Somerset, has been closed since December, due to a large amount of rocks still falling down on to the path.

A temporary diversion is currently in place for visitors, and North Somerset Council and Natural England are working to create a new permanent path in a safer area.

"The last thing we want is people using the path because it is extremely dangerous," Councillor Mike Solomon said.

The council has secured money to move the steps away from the scene of the landslide.

Until that happens, visitors will have to carry on avoiding the area.

The path down to the water's edge has been closed since March

Mr Solomon said: “If somebody was walking under that landslide, they would not have survived.

"It’s a split second thing and that would be an absolute disaster.

Part of the cliff side is still intact, but Adrian Wilkinson, a local surveyor and geologist, said its collapse is "imminent".

Although landslides are "naturally occurring" events, the one on Ladye Bay was "exacerbated" by heavy rainfall.

Mr Wilkinson said: “It will come down - we just don’t know when. It will engulf the steps and this is why we’re urging people not to use them.

"[The next landslide] can come literally at any time - it could be in the next hour, it could be in the next year."=

"There is no way of preventing it happening - the simplest and safest thing is to let nature take its course."

The problem is being "exacerbated" by heavy rainfall, said Mr Wilkinson

It is hoped the new coastal path will be created and opened within the next few months.

A Natural England spokesperson said: “Natural England is supporting officers from North Somerset Council, who are working hard to look for a new long-term route for the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) at Ladye Bay.

“The diversion currently directs walkers inland of the unstable area using public footways and footpaths. We hope a new route for the KCIIIECP can be found closer to the coast than this current diversion.

“Natural England will work with the council to help identify a suitable route and make it available to walkers, as soon as practicably possible, but recognise that this may take a number of months.”