Housing fears as cliffs subside

Residents of a Devon seaside resort have said they are worried about the threat posed by recent landslips.

There are claims the rate of erosion in Sidmouth is increasing and some locals have called for improved sea-defences to protect land and property.

Councillor Stuart Hughes estimated that about six metres (20ft) of cliff face has been lost so far this year.

Some homeowners with gardens overlooking the beach have had hedges and trees disappear over the cliffs.

"A lot of my neighbours have lost trees, we have long gardens but it's a bit depressing"
Pat Bettridge

Sidmouth is on the Jurassic coast and is geographically prone to landslips.

Some locals claim slabs of the distinctive red cliffs are now dropping away faster than expected.

A disused railway tunnel discovered running though the cliff face during the 1990s has now completely eroded.

Mr Hughes said: "I would estimate that there's at least five or six metres of cliff face that we've lost.

"The cliffs are actually receeding faster than predicted and that is a great concern."

Pat Bettridge's house is on top of the cliffs above the beach: "I've been lucky because I've still got a little piece of the footpath left.

"A lot of my neighbours have lost trees and all sorts of things.

"We have long gardens, but it's a bit depressing."

East Devon District Council said public consultation would be needed before any final decision about how to combat coastal erosion was made.

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