People visiting the beach and walking on the South West Coast Path on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site have been advised to take extra care following a large rock fall at West Bay yesterday.
Rockfall at East Cliff, West Bay – Tuesday 16th August 2016
The rock fall took place at around 7.30pm on East Cliff at West Bay, near Bridport. Dorset Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Western Ambulance Service, coastguard and officers from Dorset County Council and West Dorset District Council all attended the scene.
Police, coastguards, the fire service and the local authorities attending the fall. Photograph: Rory Fisher
While the ambulance service offered assistance to members of the public, Dorset Police has confirmed that no injuries were reported. The police ended their search of the site this morning.
The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site team, West Bay Harbour Master and the landowner, Freshwater Beach Holiday Park have carried out a survey today to assess the fall.
The beach and South West Coast Path, which has been assessed by Dorset County Council’s coast and countryside service remain open.
This latest rock fall follows a previous one in the same area in July and people are advised to take extra care when visiting and enjoying the coast at West Bay and along the Jurassic Coast.
Sam Scriven, Jurassic Coast Earth Science Manager, said:
“Rock falls like this are entirely unpredictable. However, East Cliff at West Bay does seem to be particularly active at the moment.
“As ever, keep your wits about you, whether you are out walking, fossil hunting, having a picnic or taking photographs.
“It is easy to enjoy the spectacular and fascinating Jurassic Coast without putting yourself or others at risk.
“Always stay away from the cliffs. Landslides and rock falls can, and do, happen at any time – and you can be at risk even at low tide. Never ignore a warning sign – they are there for your safety.”
