THE undercliff coast path in Lyme Regis has been closed by Natural England because of significant landslip movement.

Tom Sunderland, senior reserve manager for the Undercliff national nature reserve, said: "Following the extreme recent wet weather a number of locations along the coast path through the Undercliffs nature reserve have been showing signs of earth movement and land slippage.

"Recent movement on the coast path at Ware, near Lyme Regis, has created a potentially dangerous situation for walkers with a fissure opening up across the coastal path.

"Consequently Natural England has taken a decision with Devon County Council to close the coastal footpath as from Thursday.

"The situation is being regularly monitored and we hope to be able to re-open the path as soon as possible."