Cliff collapses prompt renewed safety warnings

Significant cliff collapses were reported at Seaford Head and Peacehaven in February

Visitors to a stretch of coastline in East Sussex are being urged to stay safe after two recent significant cliff collapses.

The warning comes before the Easter break and school holidays after huge sections of cliff at Seaford Head and Peacehaven collapsed in the space of two weeks in February.

Local councils have teamed up with HM Coastguard and landowners to launch a campaign reminding people of the risk posed by the unstable chalk cliffs.

A spokesperson for East Sussex County Council (ESCC) said "we continue to see people getting perilously close to the edge of the cliffs" and "without realising the dangers".

Cliff erosion is a natural process and part of the evolution of the coastline.

As well as the risk to those walking on top of cliffs, it can also present dangers to those on the beach below.

The ESCC statement added: “The cliffs contain many overhangs and cracks that visitors may not be able to see, and the unstable chalk can fall at any time with absolutely no warning.

"We want to encourage people to continue to visit the area safely.”

As well as the dangers posed by cliff falls, visitors have also been reminded to check tide times to avoid getting stuck amid rising sea water.