THE number of winter landslips along the South West Coast path have increased tenfold, the latest figures show.
South West Coast Path Association experts say an “unprecedented” 30 landslips and cliff falls have taken place since November.
In December torrential rain caused parts of the cliffs at Swanage to become unstable. The following month major slips between Swanage's Burlington Chine and Sheps Hollow led to parts of the town's North Beach being cordoned off to protect the public.
Association spokesman Steve Church described the slips as “alarming” adding: “The difficulty is knowing exactly when things have stabilised enough to actually attempt a long-term reinstatement. I hope we're getting to that stage.”
Many sections of pathway have had to be diverted from their usual routes because of the falls.
Between 2007 and 2012 there were 11 cliff falls that resulted in coastal path diversions.
The 630 mile coastal path starts at Mindhead, Somerset, and finishes at Poole Harbour. It includes the whole of the Devon and Cornwall coast.
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