Coastal engineers sent to assess landslide

Coastal engineers have been to assess damage caused by a landslide.

A large section of cliff collapsed on to Crimdon beach in County Durham last week, following weeks of rain.

Louise Mann, who owns a caravan on the front row of a clifftop site, said she wanted more support from the council "to prevent these slips".

Brian Weatherall, Durham County Council's coastal protection manager, said there was no risk to the coastal footpath but people should "stay away from the cliff edges".

"Our coastal engineers have visited Crimdon to assess the area," he said.

"They found a very localised movement of cliff material and, although there is no risk to the park or coastal footpath at this time, we would always advise people to stay away from the cliff edges."

He said the slow erosion of limestone was "part of what makes the Durham heritage coast a Site of Special Scientific Interest", with new habitat being created as the cliffs weather and interact with the sea.

Mann said there was still a "good amount" of land between her caravan and the edge.

"I'm concerned but not mega concerned as we know it will take a few years for that land to go," she said.

"What I'm more concerned about is lack of support that is being given to help prevent these slips.

"The council just keep moving fences back and closing off steps down to the beach."

Weatherall said the council monitor the coastline and carry out yearly inspections to evaluate coastal erosion.

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