Natural England to close beach at Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve (NNR) in light of recent conditions. (Press release date 13/08/12)
Following the extreme rainfall earlier this year concerns remain about the stability of some cliff sections along Monmouth Beach to the west of Lyme Regis. Rock-falls have continued throughout the week and one unstable area in particular poses a threat to public safety. Warning signs have been placed on the beach by Natural England, supported by the landowners and Dorset County Council’s Jurassic Coast Rights of Way teams and Countryside Service.
It is feared that high spring tides due towards the end of this week and over the coming weekend, coupled with unsettled weather including rain and
southerly winds, will wash the signs away. As a result, Natural England have therefore taken the difficult decision to close the beach temporarily. Following the spring tides, in just over a week’s time, the situation will be reviewed. We would ask that the public take notice of any warning signs, respect the temporary beach closure and stay well away from the base of any cliffs and scree slopes.
Tom Sunderland, Natural England’s Senior Reserve Manager at the site, said;
‘We have seen continued rock falls along Monmouth Beach over this last week and with high spring tides due we have made a decision to close the beach in the interests of public safety. This has been a difficult decision and not one taken lightly by Natural England or the landowners. The closure is in place because we cannot guarantee that the warning signs will stay in place with the high spring tides. We will review the situation after the spring tides and hope to be able to open the cliff section along Monmouth beach as soon as possible’.
