Natural England proposes new Jurassic coastal path route

The plans include the ability to move parts of the trail inland

Proposals for a further section of Dorset's Jurassic coastline to form part of the England Coast Path have been revealed.

Natural England (NE) wants to develop a new route along a 42 mile (67 km) stretch between Lyme Regis and Rufus Castle.

The path would join up with the section between Rufus Castle to Lulworth Cove where work is currently underway.

NE said the £124,000 proposals would "improve public access".

It is hoped the path will open up public access to areas of the beach and foreshore

The plans bring the path closer to the sea. It also allows for the path to be brought inland if erosion occurs.

NE said it would "resolve the well-known and long-standing difficulties with maintaining a continuous walking route along this eroding coast".

Parts of the current South West Coast Path including a 5 mile (7.6 km) stretch between Seaton to Lyme Regis remain closed following damage caused by an active landslip.

Comments and objections to the route, must be submitted by 17:00 BST 2 September.

The final decision on the proposals will be made by the Secretary of State.

The England Coast Path is eventually expected to allow people to walk about 2,700 miles (4,345 km) around the coastline.