Tent seen near cliff edge despite rockfall warnings

Campers have been warned to stay away from a clifftop prone to sudden rockfalls after a tent was spotted close to the edge.

The cliffs at East Beach in the West Bay area of Dorset's Jurassic Coast saw three rockfalls in quick succession earlier this year - and the coastal path at the top has been shut.

But photographer Daryl Gill was using his drone to capture the scenery on Monday evening when he spotted a person in their tent just yards from the edge.

He said he was "shocked" by the sight.

There have been near-misses in the area before, with beachgoers shown narrowly avoiding being hit by falling rocks in dramatic footage captured in August last year.

"I just think about if something were to happen, then there are a team of people that have to then put their lives at risk - it could easily be avoided," said Mr Gill.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “Rockfalls and landslips are part of the movement which makes up the unique nature of this coastline, and they can happen at any time.

“Please stay safe by taking notice of warning signs and keep to existing paths. Stay away from the edge and the base of cliffs, and certainly do not camp there."

The Jurassic Coast Trust, a charity protecting and conserving the stretch of coastline, said it "would advise against remaining for a prolonged period of time on the cliffs" as they can be "extremely unstable".

"It is particularly important that people stay away from the cliff edges and the base of the cliffs on the beaches underneath as rockfalls and landslides can happen at any time and without warning," it added.

The coastal path was closed earlier this month due to "erosion and cracks".

Council rangers have been monitoring the area and working the neighbouring Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club to provide an alternative route for residents.

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