Public urged to stay away from collapsed coastline at Pakefield

Following the high tides and strong winds seen along the east coast last week, a section of cliff has collapsed on to the beach at Pakefield.

The collapse happened predominantly on private land, including a large area owned by Pontins Holiday Park.

Cllr David Ritchie Waveney District Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for Coastal Management, said: 'We would ask members of the public to stay away from the area. Our Coastal Management Team has assessed the collapse and it appears that last week's weather event has been a contributory factor.

'The cliff slips contain masonry rubble, concrete lumps and there are also a number of trees which will likely come down in the near future. At the top there is further material, including trees which could yet fall.

'Our primary concern is public safety and we advise members of the public not to go within 10 metres of the base of the cliff or, at the top, within a safe distance of the cliff edge. This is potentially an evolving situation and extra vigilance is required.'

A statement on the Facebook page of Lowestoft and Southwold Coastguard rescue teams offered words of caution following recent weather: 'Up and down the coast, due to the recent weather, the cliff faces are becoming more and more unstable.

'We strongly advise all members of the public to not walk under the cliffs or near to the edge on top and keep all pets away from the base at present. Shockingly children are still climbing the faces and digging significant holes into the cliffs.

'If your child goes to the beach please ensure that they are not doing this for their own safety.

'If you see someone that gets into difficulties immediately phone 999 and ask for the coastguard.

'In the worst instance of someone becoming buried ensure that you try and keep a exact visual on where the person was last seen so it helps the emergency services to recover in the correct area.'