‘Stay clear’ warning after Shaldon cliff fall

'Further falls are likely. Don't risk your safety'

People have been told to stay away from the site of a spectacular landslide on the South Devon coast amid fears that more falls are likely.

Witnesses described a loud ‘cracking’ sound as hundreds of tonnes of soil slipped into the sea from the cliffs at the Ness in Shaldon last week. Video footage showed the red soil falling into the water along with rocks and trees.

Now Teignbridge Council is urging residents and visitors to put safety first and respect the path closures currently in place at The Ness.

“Further falls are likely, so we would urge people to stay well clear,” said Cllr Jackie Hook (Lib Dem, Bushell), the council’s executive member for the environment. “Please don’t risk your safety by trying to access areas that have been cordoned off.”

The landslip caused ‘a substantial quantity’ of debris to fall onto a section of the shoreline at the Ness, the landmark headland opposite Teignmouth’s busy beach.

The council’s teams have inspected the area and put out warning signs and fences. The section of the South West Coast Path that runs through the Ness woodland has been closed, and people are being advised not to go on to the Shaldon beach at the site of the cliff fall in case of further landslips. 

Cllr Hook went on: “We appreciate that it’s disappointing to have restrictions in areas which are popular with residents and visitors alike, but public safety has to be our priority.

“The coastline is a naturally changing environment and while areas often appear stable, the ground can change unexpectedly, particularly following periods of heavy rain. After a very wet winter and as conditions dry out, some further movement of the cliffs may take place in the coming days.”

The video of the landslip showed small pieces of rubble falling into the water before a large section of the red sandstone cliff fell to the ground, taking out two trees.

One witness told DevonLive: “Sat enjoying the view and scenery, then I heard loud cracks. Then began to see a landslide and bits falling.”