Section of Portland coastal path closed following landslips

A section of the path on the west side of the island between Tout Quarry and the Priory Corner - which is part of the South West Coastal Path (SWCP) - was closed temporarily on August 13.

As initially feared, this closure was then extended by Dorset Council and is currently being assessed by engineers, though it is 'highly likely' that the closure will become permanent.

A spokesperson for Portland Town Council said: "These sections of the coast path have been closed for some time and Dorset Council have just extended the closure permissions.

"It is highly likely that the section from the beginning of Tout Quarry to Priory Corner will become permanent. Engineers are currently assessing the other section, following which a decision should be made."

The path near Priory Corner (Image: Google Maps)

In the meantime, the coast path has been redirected slightly inland and will instead go through the Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park.

The mayor of Portland, Sheila Miles said: "A decision had to be made as to whether it should be closed and rerouted.

"It is not something we can take risks with.

"There have been so many landslips there over the years so far, so let's keep people safe and protect the path in some form by rerouting it through the quarry with all its sculptures, and I hope people still enjoy it."

She added: "This kind of erosion is not just happening on Portland, it is as far as West Bay right along to Lulworth, it is the nature of what it (the coast) is made of."

Earlier temporary closures. The area A to B is expected to be closed permanently (Image: Dorset Council)

A spokesperson for the SWCP said: "The section of SWCP on the western side of Portland near Tout Quarry has been shifting and eroding for a long time.

"Our Trail Partners Dorset Council have been monitoring the situation and the path was deemed unsafe and diverted slightly inland.

"Although the path is now away from the cliff edge it takes you through Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park where walkers can discover over 60 hidden sculptures in the quarry, adding another feature of interest along the SWCP.

"Due to the coastal erosion which has occurred the original route of the path will not be re-opening for safety reasons and the diverted route through Tout Quarry will become the definitive route of the SWCP."

In February this year, part of the South West Coast Path on Portland was 'eaten away' by a landslip near to Mutton Cove.