Tourists warned to keep away from dangerous beaches

Holidaymakers in Dorset have been warned about the risks of further landslides on beaches after a 22-year-old was crushed to death by falling rocks earlier this week.

Derbyshire student Charlotte Blackman, who was on holiday with her family, was trapped under a 10-metre high pile of rubble when the cliff above her collapsed while she was walking on Hive Beach at Bridport.

She had been staying at the Freshwater Beach Holiday park.

Jurassiccoast.com, a website for the coastline that stretches 75 miles from Dorset to East Devon, is warning visitors and residents in west Dorset to avoid cliffs and beaches with a cliff backdrop following the tragedy.

It says: "There is a heightened risk of rock falls anywhere and at any time along the coast while landslides have delivered thick mudflows and quicksands to the beaches in many places. One of the hidden hazards is that the sea can wash sand and shingle over the mud and quicksand giving the appearance of a solid beach which is why we advise people to stay well clear of these hazards".

Last week, Dorset Council issued a similar warning to visitors and walkers of the risk of landslides following the heavy rain.

Thursday, July 26, 2012