East Devon District Council Announces Annual Cliff Inspections in February and March

East Devon District Council has scheduled its annual cliff inspections at key seaside locations across the region, with inspections set to take place over the next couple of weeks

East Devon District Council has scheduled its annual cliff inspections at key seaside locations across the region, with inspections set to take place over the next couple of weeks. These inspections are vital to ensuring public safety along the coastline, particularly in areas where cliffs are prone to erosion or rockfalls. The council, in collaboration with its contractors, will be removing loose material and installing rock netting to help protect both the public and local infrastructure.

The scheduled inspections are as follows:

• Budleigh Salterton East Cliffs: The first inspection will take place on Monday, 24 February 2025. The area where the inspection is being conducted will be closed off to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

• Seaton West Walk Cliffs: Inspections are set for Tuesday, 25 February and Wednesday, 26 February 2025. During these two days, the promenade will be closed to the public to prevent any risk from falling debris. Visitors are urged to avoid the area for their safety.

• Beer East Cliffs: Inspections at Beer are scheduled for Thursday, 27 February, Friday, 28 February, and Monday, 3 March 2025. The specific areas where work is taking place will be cordoned off. Visitors are asked to respect the closure to ensure their safety.

• Sidmouth Connaught Gardens Cliff: The final scheduled inspections will take place on Tuesday, 4 March and Wednesday, 5 March 2025. The promenade at Sidmouth will be closed on these days to protect the public from any potential risks associated with falling debris during the inspections.

East Devon District Council is advising all visitors to these areas to pay close attention to safety signs placed on-site, which will provide guidance and indicate where access is restricted. The council stresses the importance of staying clear of any marked-off zones during the inspections, as these areas will be monitored for safety and the loose material that could pose a hazard will be dealt with promptly.

Steve Brown, East Devon District Council's Environmental Services Manager, stated, “The annual cliff inspections are a crucial part of maintaining the safety of our beautiful coastline. We want to ensure that everyone enjoys the seaside safely, so we ask the public to be mindful of the closures and to follow all safety signage in place during these essential inspections.”

With the inspections taking place at some of East Devon's most popular coastal locations, the council is encouraging the public to plan their visits accordingly. Local businesses and visitors are reminded to stay updated on any potential changes to the schedule due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

The council's proactive approach to managing cliff safety reflects its commitment to protecting both the public and the environment, ensuring that the region remains a safe and enjoyable destination for all.