Warning to stay away from crumbling cliffs

A recent cliff fall in Budleigh Salterton sparked a safety warning from authorities

Beachgoers have been warned to stay away from areas affected by cliff falls in Devon.

A number of falls have been reported along the east Devon coast in recent years, including an incident in Budleigh Salterton on 26 July which led to two people having to be rescued after they became stranded.

A "major cliff fall" was also reported in Seaton on 1 March and another landslip forced the closure of a footpath at Salcombe Hill near Sidmouth in November last year.

East Devon District Council, the coastguard and Clinton Devon Estates urged people to avoid affected areas.

East Devon's coast is made up of soft rocks including sandstone and conglomerate, which authorities said made them particularly prone to erosion, especially following periods of heavy rain or dry weather.

Projects have been set up by the council to protect parts of the coastline, including a £1.4m scheme to reduce erosion and reduce the risk of cliff falls at Seaton Hole.

The council said work on the project was due to begin on 26 August and it would help protect 41 nearby homes, including a care home.

A joint statement from the council and Clinton Devon Estates, which owns some of the coast, said cliff falls were a "natural and unpredictable occurrence".

They urged anyone visiting the coastline not explore recent cliff falls and to call 999 if they witnessed an incident.

"Following a cliff fall at Budleigh Salterton beach on Saturday, we want to remind residents and visitors to avoid the affected area and to follow all warning signs, safety barriers and instructions," it said.

'Move well away'

Martin Freeland, station officer at Exmouth Coastguard Station, said a general rule to follow was to work out how tall the cliff was and then stay the same distance away from the cliff edge.

"Everyone likes a day at the beach, but it's just being mindful about where you set yourself up for the day," he said.

"The temptation of course is to go up and have a look and get a bit closer when a fall has happened.

"But the advice would be to move well away and seek advice from 999."