Extensive cliff erosion at Sheps Hollow – the northern far end of Swanage Bay, has forced the official closure of the steps down to the beach on safety grounds.
Dorset Council has served a temporary closure notice to prevent anyone using this part of the public footpath, after the steps and handrail started to subside down the cliff, following the recent storms and heavy rainfall.
Check the tides
Swanage Coastguard is warning people to check the tides, as the steps are a means of escape from this more isolated end of the beach, when the tide comes in. In an emergency or if there are further large landslips, people should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
The closure of the steps is for 21 days to start with, to allow the area to be assessed.
