Fresh warnings have been issued about the safety of a stretch of beach renowned for its seal colony which has been victim of the elements this week.

Eastern Daily Press: Eroded sand bank at Winterton beach.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEroded sand bank at Winterton beach.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

A significant amount of sand was washed away from Winterton beach earlier in the week, creating a shelf effect on the shoreline which has been cordoned off to the public.

While a pathway has since been forged through it to the lower part of the beach, the sand shelf remains mainly cordoned off, with around a 10ft drop having been created.

Eric Lurd, chairman of Winterton Parish Council, said: “It is gradually getting better and there is now a slope down to the beach, but there is still a need for visitors to the beach to be vigilant, particularly near the café.

“My advice is to stay a safe distance from the edge of the cliff top and take good notice of the cordoned off areas.”

Mr Lurd also warned of concrete Second World War tank traps buried beneath the sand at the edge of the cliff which could be exposed if the bank gives way.

He said: “While it is very unlikely to happen if the sand were to expose the traps there is a danger they could fall on somebody and they could get seriously hurt.

“They are large concrete cubes, so if they were to fall on somebody, they would certainly know about it.”