Council warning over cliff falls - following recent incident in Lizard

Recent cliff falls around Cornwall has prompted a warning from the council.

Residents are being urged to take "extra care" as cliffs are more likely to become unstable during winter which can result in rocks and debris falling, often without warning.

In recent weeks, there have been cliff falls at Charlestown, Par Sands and Pentreath Beach, Lizard Peninsula.

On Sunday, February 7th, there was a rock fall at Whipsiderry Beach near Newquay.

Sadly, rocks fell on a dog burying it under the rubble. The dog's owner narrowly escaped injury after he was warned by a member of the public that the cliff was about to give way for a second time.

James Instance, Her Majesty's Coastguard Controller based in Falmouth, said:

"We understand that people will be looking to get out into the fresh air this half-term and explore the coastline with their families for their daily exercise allowance in line with COVID-19 restrictions – and, especially because other activities families may usually enjoy in the holidays are unable to happen as usual at the moment.

"But, please, if you do venture out and are lucky enough to live close to the coast, take extra care, follow our safety guidance and make sure you make it home safely.

"We've had plenty of rain lately so it's important that you take plenty of care near cliffs, as some clifftops are really unstable and could easily collapse. Our advice, as always, is to stay well back, wear appropriate footwear and ensure that you check tide times and the forecast before setting out.

"As ever, our message is – keep safe, but if you see anybody in trouble or if you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

Councillor Rob Nolan, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, added:

"We don't know when and where rockfalls or landslides may occur, and we don't know if they will be small or large-scale events. But we do know that they can be deadly."

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