The expected permanent closure of part of the coast path on Portland has been made official.

Part of the South West Coast Path near Touts Quarry on Portland has been closed for some time due to erosion and landslips.

As previously reported in the Echo, this closure -  between Tout Quarry and the Priory Corner - was expected to be made permanent following an assessment by engineers, which has now been completed.

This section of the path has been officially, permanently, closed.

A diversion has been made inland through the Touts Quarry, which includes a sculpture park.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “We have been monitoring this section of the South West Coast Path, near Touts Quarry, which has been shifting and eroding.

"The original route of the path will not be reopening and has been diverted slightly inland through Touts Quarry.

"This new route takes walkers through the nature reserve and sculpture park, adding another feature of interest along the coast path.” 

A spokesperson for the South Western Coastal Path said in a previous statement: "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."