Pictures of cracks on cliff on Dorset coast, Seatown

Pictures, taken from a drone by James Loveridge Photography, show large, deep cracks on the top of the cliff edge at Seatown.

Fences have been erected along the cliff edge to prevent anyone from making their way onto the area.

Dorset Council has reiterated advice to the public on how to stay safe on the coastline ahead of what looks to be another imminent rockfall.

A picture showing cracks in the cliff edge at Seatown (Image: James Loveridge Photography)

It comes just a week after a huge fall in East Beach, West Bay.

The fall saw the beach closed as people were warned to stay away from the area for their own safety. 

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "The Jurassic Coast is a wonderful place to visit, but it's important to use common sense and caution – stay away from the edge and base of cliffs and always pay attention to warning signs and safety messages."

The council issued advice on how people can enjoy the Dorset coastline safely. 

• Stay away from the edge of the cliff top - admire the view from a safe distance
• Stay away from the base of cliffs: rock falls and landslides can happen at any time. If you are under a rock fall, the likelihood is you will die
• Pay attention to warning signs – they are there for your safety
• Check tide times before you set off to avoid being cut off by incoming tides
• Keep dogs on leads near the cliff edge

The Jurassic Coast in west Dorset has seen an increased number of rockfalls in recent times. 

• Drone footage of the cracks that have formed in the cliff edge near Seatown. Video: James Loveridge Photography

A spokesperson for the Jurassic Coast Trust explained why rockfalls take place: "The failure of the cliff near Seatown appears to relate to the big landslide there from a couple of years ago. This is typical for these kinds of movements.

"As with most cliff falls, it is likely to be related to the wet weather over the winter months. That is not to say that they don't happen in the summer also.

"General advice for these things is quite simple. Rockfalls and landslides are a natural part of our beautiful coastline but they are hazardous. Stay away from the cliff edge, stay clear of the base of the cliff and do not linger below sheer cliffs.

"People should also beware of mudflows, which can be common on some parts of the coast after heavy rain."

A landscape view of the portion of the Jurassic Coast which is feared to fall. Picture: James Loveridge Photography (Image: James Loveridge Photography)

Earlier in January 2023, a chunk of rock closed West Bay Esplanade after it fell from West Cliff.

The last major rockfall reported in the Seatown area took place in 2021 when an overnight fall completely blocked the beach between Seatown and Eype beach with one resident stating that it was the 'biggest landslip they had seen in 60 years.'

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