Burton Bradstock landslide restrictions are now lifted

Areas of the coast around Burton Bradstock were closed after the landslip on Tuesday, but Dorset County Council is urging people to take care and follow advice now that part of the coast path has been re-opened.

Miles Butler, director for environment at the county council, said: “We closed areas on Tuesday as a precaution following the tragic incident at Burton Bradstock.

“However, while there is always a risk of landslips along the Jurassic Coast, we now feel it is appropriate to lift these restrictions.

“As always, we would urge people to avoid the cliffs and mudslides and heed the warning signs along the coast.

“Those signs are there for a reason, and we would strongly advise people to take notice of what they are saying.”

More warning signs have been put in place, and the county council is also preparing public notices to display in tourist information centres.

On Tuesday Charlotte Blackman was killed in a massive landslide near Freshwater Beach Holiday Park.

The 22-year-old, from Heanor in Derbyshire, had been on holiday with her family.

The South West coast path between Lyme Regis and West Bexington was opened yesterday after restrictions were put in place following the tragedy.

The section between Hive Beach and the Freshwater Beach Holiday Park remains closed, and further safety assessments will be carried out.

Mr Butler emphasised that the area is still open for visitors.

He said: “If visitors are careful in those areas, Dorset is a wonderful and interesting holiday location with a great deal to offer, and beautiful family friendly beaches.”

People have been warned to stay away from cliffs and mudflows at all times and to beware of quicksand.

Experts have warned that the recent rainfall has left some cliffs in West Dorset in an unstable condition, which may increase the risk of landslides, mudslides and rock falls.

But visitors can access beaches away from cliffs at Cogden, Hive, West Bay, Seatown, Charmouth, and Lyme Regis.