WALKERS are urged to 'use common sense and caution' as there is a likelihood there will be further cliff falls after a woman was hit in the head by some falling rocks.
Councillors are urging people to pay attention to warning signs when they are walking near cliffs after the latest cliff fall caused a woman to be rushed to hospital when she was hit by falling debris while she was walking along East Beach at West Bay on Monday afternoon.
Walkers are warned that further cliff falls are likely.
A spokesman for Lyme Regis Coastguard said: "We were called at 16:45, alongside our colleagues from West Bay, to assist the ambulance service with a casualty at East Beach, West Bay.
"The lady had been walking along the beach and was struck on the head by falling debris from the cliff above.
"On arrival at the scene, immediate casualty care was given until the ambulance arrived.
"We wish her a speedy recovery.
"Please do not walk under the cliffs. They are very fragile after the all the rain and storms. There is a likelihood that there will be further falls with no warning."
The warning from coastguard officers comes nearly 10 years after a young woman was killed in a cliff fall.
Charlotte Blackman was just 22-years-old when she was killed instantly by falling rocks near Freshwater Holiday Park in Burton Bradstock.
Although the coroner said there was insufficient evidence to say if the weather had played a part in the landslide, concerns had been raised that heavy rain in the county in the weeks leading up to the landslide, which was on a 'glorious summer's day' might have triggered large sections of the cliff to fall - similar weather to what we have seen the last few weeks.
Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment said: "I am sorry to hear this news and I hope the person makes a full recovery. The Jurassic Coast is a wonderful place to visit, but it's important to use common sense and caution.
"We can only advise people of the risks along our coastline. Please stay away from the edge and base of cliffs and always pay attention to warning signs and safety messages."
CONTACT ME:
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e: josie.klein@newsquest.co.uk
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