Cliff falls 'imminent' beachgoers warned

Cornwall Council said it had carried out a "specialist survey which indicates that there is a risk of further imminent falls in the area"

Further cliff falls are "imminent" where tonnes of rock collapsed near a seaside resort, beachgoers have been warned.

Cornwall Council said the alert followed a "specialist survey" of the site at Whipsiderry near Newquay where the cliff collapsed on Wednesday.

The fall happened where a luxury housing development is planned on the clifftop.

Earlier this year preliminary work to reinforce the cliff ahead of the development was halted.

Steps to the beach remain closed

The council said it had carried out a "specialist survey which indicates that there is a risk of further imminent falls in the area".

Steps to the beach will remain closed "in the interests of public safety in the short-term while we continue to monitor the situation", it said.

It urged people to "stay away from the area for your own safety".

It added: "Be aware that with the steps closed, there is a risk of getting cut off by the tide if walking along the beach from Porth to Watergate."

Planning consent for seven homes on the cliffs above the beach has previously been granted by Cornwall Council.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) granted a licence for cliff reinforcement work, while the Duchy - a private estate that funds both the charitable and private activities of the Duke of Cornwall, Prince William - granted access to the beach.

In March, the Duchy suspended access "in order for discussions between the developer and the relevant statutory authorities to take place and for those authorities to determine if and how the consented work can take place in a safe and compliant manner".

Developer, Living Quarter Properties, has been approached for comment.