Landslide beach restrictions lifted along Jurassic Coast

PA

The beaches along the Jurassic Coast, which were closed to the public following the death of a young woman in a landslide, are now open, the Press Association reported.

After Charlotte Blackman, 22, was killed when she was crushed by 400 tonnes of rock that fell on her during a trip to a Dorset beach, safety measures were introduced.

The South West Coast Path between Lyme Regis and West Bexington was closed and Dorset County Council has announced it is open to the public, except between the Freshwater Holiday Park and Hive beach. The council said this would be reviewed after further safety assessments.

Miles Butler, director for environment at Dorset County Council, said: 'We closed areas on Tuesday as a precaution following the tragic incident at Burton Bradstock. However, while there is always a risk of landslips along the Jurassic Coast, we now feel it is appropriate to lift these restrictions.

'As always, we would urge people to avoid the cliffs and mudslides and heed the warning signs along the coast. Those signs are there for a reason and we would strongly advise people to take notice of what they are saying.

'If visitors are careful in those areas Dorset is a wonderful and interesting holiday location with a great deal to offer, and beautiful family friendly beaches.'

Robert Gould, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: 'West Dorset is open to welcome visitors, our main bathing beaches at Charmouth and Lyme Regis are open. The advice is come and visit, but if you are exploring the coast be aware of the risk of rockfalls, follow the advice signs and keep away from some areas.'

The south coast commonly sees landslips and rockfalls but heavy rain combined with the recent heatwave left some of the cliffs in West Dorset in an unstable condition.

There have been warning signs put up along the coast and additional public notices are being prepared for tourist information centres in the area.

Charlotte Blackman, from Derbyshire, was on holiday with her family and boyfriend when part of a 160-ft cliff face collapsed and sent a heap of rocks falling onto Hive Beach. After a nine-hour search, Charlotte's body was found under rubble at the popular holiday location in Burton Bradstock.

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