DORSET County Council says it is continuing to monitor a Portland cliff face that has been beset by a series of landslips and has warned people to stay away.

The council, which is responsible for the coastal path, has issued the warning after reports of rock falls around Westcliff over the past week.

Coastguards were first alerted to a cliff fall at West Weares last Wednesday when chunks fell away but there has been further movement over the weekend and reports of rocks falling near the path below.

The coast path at Westcliff was rerouted inland last year and the council is advising members of the public to heed any warning signs that are put in place to divert users of the route.

Cllr Peter Finney, Dorset County Council's Cabinet member for environment, said: "The Jurassic coast is an eroding coastline which brings its own hazards. Our advice as always is to take care, take notice of warning signs and stay away from the cliffs.

"Dorset County Council countryside rangers regularly check the state of the coast path and ensure signage is in place, warning of any hazards."