Torquay beach closed after warning of 'imminent' cliff fall

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Friday, December 14, 2012
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Western Morning News

A geologist has warned a major cliff fall is "imminent" in Torbay.

Oddicombe Beach was hit by a landslide last week following weeks of heavy rain.

  1. Oddicombe Beach, which  was hit by a landslide last week following weeks of heavy rain

    Oddicombe Beach, which was hit by a landslide last week following weeks of heavy rain

A Torbay Council spokesman said: "Following recent rockfalls in other coastal areas the council has appointed an engineering geologist to carry out a survey of several locations around Torbay's coastline. The location giving him most concern is the high cliffs behind the closed section of Oddicombe Beach, Torquay, and it is his opinion a major rock fall is imminent in this area.

"As a result, we would once again strongly urge members of the public to adhere to the 'beach closed' warning signs which are in place for their safety," he added. The beach is no stranger to cliff falls. In February 2010, 5,000 tonnes of boulders crashed down on to Oddicombe Beach just below nearby Ridgemont House.

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The week before, the property had been sold at auction for £155,000. Legal disputes are still thought to be ongoing and the house remains fenced off.

Les Watson, 68, from a neighbouring property which is for sale, said: "We're selling up because it is too big for us. We are going to downsize in Torquay.

"We have lived here nine years. We love it here but it is too much for us to manage. So many people have come to view it.

"Our neighbours moved here earlier this year so they weren't put off by the risk of a landslide. I don't think it will go for years."

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  • Profile image for Bleach

    by Bleach

    Friday, December 14 2012, 10:17AM

    “Large fall there this morning, sea bright red. More to come.

    The area around the top end Redcliff Rd houses and Ridgemont House itself are unlikely to fall, they're not near the edge but there's a section that extends 30-40 feet back from the top edge that's very unstable. It has to go sometime, when it does it'll make the 2010 fall look tiny.”

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