Anger at 'stupidity' of tourists clambering on rocks after cliff fall blocks beach
Visitors to West Bay in Dorset - where hit TV show Broadchurch was filmed - have been urged to stop putting their lives at risk.
Visitors to Dorset's Jurassic Coast have been urged to pay attention to warning signs and to stop walking along the foot of a picturesque stretch of cliffs after a rock fall blocked off a section of the beach.
Sharing an image of 30 December's rock fall at East Cliff beach, West Bay, Bridport Town Council said: "Whilst locals are all aware of the dangers, our guests and visitors may not know to stay away from the base of cliffs. Rock falls and landslides can happen at any time. If you are under a rock fall, the likelihood is you will die."
The picturesque sandstone cliffs are an attraction for tourists, particularly after they appeared in the hit TV show Broadchurch.
Shel, who lives in nearby Norton-sub-Hamdon, said she saw people walking along the beach on Saturday "completely disregarding all warning signs there to protect them".
The 37-year-old private care provider told Yahoo News: "Very few people taken notice of the warnings down there."
Shel, who did not want her surname to be used, says she's seen plenty of people sunbathing at the foot of the cliff during the summer.
"I think if people valued their safety, and that if anyone had to carry out a rescue if they did find themselves in trouble, they simply wouldn't take the risk," she added.
Bill Woods, who describes himself as a "frequent visitor" to West Bay, said: "I was staggered by the sheer stupidity of some people today.
"Please take note of advice from Bridport Town Council, the emergency services and folk who have lived around this lovely part of the country for years
"The cliffs are beautiful but unstable. If there’s a land slip then another may be not far behind. You are putting your lives at risk plus the emergency services who may be called upon to try and rescue you."
Why the West Bay East Cliff is so vulnerable to rock falls
The Jurassic Coast is constantly eroding, and it is "important to remember that rock falls and landslides are part of this process", the Jurassic Coast Trust says.
The charity says that while rock falls and landslides are more likely to occur after heavy rainfall or storms, they "can happen at any time".
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Speaking to Birdport News earlier this year, Sam Scriven, a geologist at the trust, said cliff falls have been more frequent over the past five to 10 years.
“Any time there is a new rock fall, it may leave the cliff faces either side of that collapse more fragile and more vulnerable to further falls," he said.
"But this one, particularly recently where there was two-fold falls very close together, the bit between them, that might be even more vulnerable."
The Jurassic Coast Trust has issued a list of safety tips for people walking along the beach:
Common sense safety advice
Do not take unnecessary risks and stay away from the edge of the cliff top.
Stay away from the base of cliffs: rock falls can happen at any time.
Do not climb or walk over landslide or rock fall debris, especially after wet weather.
Always pay attention to warning signs; they are there to advise you on how to stay safe.
Check the weather forecast before you go.
Beware of steep, shelving beaches and large waves.
Be aware of tide times. The sea comes in and out twice a day and it is possible to get cut off by the incoming tide or forced up against the cliffs. See BBC Tide Times for the latest information.
If you are looking for fossils, do not hammer into the cliffs or solid rock as this will cause long-lasting damage and can be dangerous.
In case of emergency
In case of an emergency on the coast dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Collecting fossils
The best, and safest, place to look for fossils is on the beach where the sea has washed away soft clay and mud.
Do not hammer into the cliffs, fossil features or rocky ledges.
Keep collecting to a minimum. Avoid removing in situ fossils, rocks or minerals.
The collection of specimens should be restricted to those places where there is a plentiful supply.
Only collect what you need – leave something for others.
Never collect from walls or buildings. Take care not to undermine fences, bridges or other structures.
Be considerate and don’t leave a site in an unsightly or dangerous condition.
Some landowners do not wish people to collect – please observe notices.
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