A BEACH that was blocked by the worst landslip for 100 years will be closed to the public for several years, officials say.

An old landfill site was exposed when 400 metres of cliff slipped between Lyme Regis and Charmouth - leaving washing machines, fridges and bottles blocking the coastal path.

Dorset County Council emergency planner Simon Parker said the area would be impassable for 'years to come'.

He said: "We have taken samples of what has been exposed and our scientists have said they do not pose any immediate danger unless, for example, they are eaten.

"We have put up signs warning about things like broken bottles and advise people to avoid the area.

"Unfortunately it is too unstable to get machinery on to the site to try and block these items coming down.

"So it looks as though the beach will be blocked, probably for years to come as more rubbish is brought down to the shore and disposed of naturally."