Large cliff fall at Budleigh Salterton prompts warnings
It comes as Storm Barra brings very windy conditions to the region
People are being urged to stay clear of the cliffs at Budleigh Salterton following a large rock fall.
It happened yesterday afternoon, covering the whole beach area nearest to Jubilee Park.
East Devon District Council say there is a 'significant risk' of further rock fall, as some very large cracks have appeared.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: "We are aware of a substantial rock fall that took place in Budleigh Salterton, covering the whole beach area nearest to Jubilee Park, today (6 December) at around 2pm.
"We have already inspected the top of the cliff, and once the storm has passed we will be sending engineers to inspect the area further.
"There is a significant risk of further rock fall as there are some very large cracks that have appeared. We would like to warn residents to please stay clear of the cliffs.
"The risk of cliff falls is well signed in this area, so members of the public need to adhere to warnings.
"Cliff falls are a natural and unpredictable occurrence along the East Devon coast, this is because the rock from which the cliffs are formed is soft and therefore prone to rock falls and landslides, which can happen at any time, although heavy rainfall can trigger incidences.
"We recommend that people enjoy East Devon cliffs from a distance and do not climb or sit directly beneath them. Please always follow the warning signs."
East Devon District Council
It comes as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for wind as Storm Barra hits the region.
It comes into force at 9.00am this morning (Tuesday 7 December) and is expected to remain in place until 6.00pm tomorrow (Wednesday 8 December).
There is a chance that power cuts may occur and there may be disruption to travel.
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