Isle of Wight Council warning as heavy rain takes toll on cliff faces

The local authority says the Island has suffered some of the heaviest rainfall it has ever seen in recent months.

This has left the ground sodden, and cliff faces unstable.

“While the Island’s coast is a wonderful place to visit, it’s important to use common sense and caution,” said a spokesperson for the council.

“Stay away from the edge and base of cliffs, and always pay attention to warning signs and safety messages.”

The Isle of Wight Council’s guidance is as follows: 

• Please do not put yourself and others at risk by ignoring road and footpath closure signs and temporary barriers.
• We cannot stress strongly enough the need for people to stay away from areas such as the landslide at Bonchurch. It is extremely dangerous for anyone to try to walk there. Please respect the closure for your own safety and the safety of others.
• We are still in a very wet and stormy period in which there will be rockfalls, cliff falls and increased landslide risk.
• We would advise the community to stay alert to these risks when at the coast and staying away from potentially dangerous parts of the coastline.
• If you do get into trouble or believe anybody to be in difficulty at the coast or at sea, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.