Public warned of 'unstable edges' as cliff and dune collapse on parts of Northumberland coast

The public are being warned to steer clear of unstable clifftops and dunes in Northumberland after coastguard teams were tasked to two incidents caused by erosion.
The team were paged to two separate incidents of collapse.
Photo: Howick Coastguard Rescue TeamThe team were paged to two separate incidents of collapse.
Photo: Howick Coastguard Rescue Team
The team were paged to two separate incidents of collapse. Photo: Howick Coastguard Rescue Team

On Monday, January 13, Howick Coastguard Rescue Team were called to two separate incidents by Humber Coastguard.

At around 11.50am on Monday, they were sent to help the flank team at Seahouses Coastguards following a cliff collapse near Seahouses Golf Club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The path was closed and the area was cordoned off until the cliff could be inspected by engineers from Northumberland County Council.

A Northumberland County Council spokesperson said: "We attended the site to assess the path and adjacent cliff.

“While there was evidence of some recent erosion of the cliffs in the area identified by the coastguard, we are content that this has not had any significant impact on the path itself or the adjacent land between the path and the cliff.

“The path is 3 to 4 metres (at its closest) from the cliff edge, and remains safe to use.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At around 1.40pm The Coastal Custodian of Northumberland alerted the team to a dune collapse north of the Long Nanny at the south end of Beadnell Bay.

The area was assessed to find any risk to the public, and the coastguard discovered that around 400 metres of the edge had collapsed

A beach access gate was closed off as it was found to lead to a sheer drop of around 20 feet. Humber Coastguard plan to contact the land owners for further action.

The coastguard has advised walkers to avoid both areas.

Howick Coastguard Rescue Team said on Facebook: “Please avoid walking along the tops of the cliffs and dunes in these two areas.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The edges are very unstable at the moment and further high winds and big tides may cause more erosion. Please keep yourselves a safe distance away from the edge and keep your dogs on a lead.”

In an emergency at sea or by the coast call the coastguard by dialling 999.