Coastguard warning to 'keep well back from unstable cliffs' in the south

HM Coastguard is warning people to stay well away from cliff edges and the bottom of cliffs in the south, following a spate of recent rainy weather resulting in unstable areas near the coast and sea.

The Coastguard were called out to a rock slip at Sheps Hollow near Swanage over the weekend (6th/7th February).

A few days earlier there were also rock falls on East beach at West Bay near Bridport.

There have also been issues in other counties, like Cornwall. On Sunday 7th February there was a cliff fall on Whipseyderry Beach near Newquay.

Sadly, the rocks fell on a family dog burying it under the rubble and narrowly missing the owner who was warned by another member of the public that the cliff was about to give way for a second time.

Dai Jones, Coastguard Duty Controller said:

“If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast and be in a position to take your exercise there in line with local COVID-19 restrictions, please do be careful near cliffs. Some of them are really unstable at the moment and could easily collapse.

"Stay well back, wear appropriate sturdy footwear and ensure that you check tide times and weather before setting out. If you or someone else is in difficulty call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”