Safety warnings issued as cliff edge photos appear

Further safety warnings have been issued after a photographer took images of visitors dangerously close to a cliff edge in East Sussex.

Photographs taken by JJ Waller show dozens of people near the cliffs at Birling Gap.

It follows two recent cliff collapses, at Seaford Head and Peacehaven, in the space of two weeks in February.

Meanwhile, local councils have teamed up with HM Coastguard and landowners to launch a campaign reminding people of the risk posed by the unstable chalk cliffs.

Mr Waller said he understood why tourists flocked to the “iconic” chalk cliffs.

“We’re all inquisitive. When you come to a beautiful spot like this, you want to know what’s down there," he said.

“But it’s dangerous. And people don’t understand that the chalk is very soft.”

He said he did not advocate for fencing but called for warning signage in foreign languages.

Darrell Gale, director of public health at East Sussex County Council, urged all visitors to “not ignore the signs and keep well away from the edge”.

“Getting the perfect selfie is not worth taking a risk with your life,” he said.

The National Trust, which owns Birling Gap, said there were undercuts in the cliff edge which the public were unable to see.

“The cliffs can be unstable in places. We urge visitors to be responsible and stay safe this Easter, by keeping away from the edge of the cliffs,” a spokesperson said.

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