Stay away from cliffs warning after pile of rocks found on beach

BEACHGOERS have been warned to stay away from the base of cliffs after a pile of rocks was discovered on a beach in Barry.

The pile was found at Jackson’s Bay on Thursday morning by a concerned member of the public who reported it as a rockfall.

There were huge chunks of rock and large pieces of foliage among the rubble, which was found at the base of the cliff in the popular sandy cove.

Some believed the pile to be caused by a spontaneous rockfall and urged others using the beach to be careful when walking by the cliffs.

However, many other Barry residents said they had seen maintenance workers on the cliff earlier in the week, and pointed to that as the cause.

Now the council has confirmed that the pile was not caused by a spontaneous rockfall, but was rather the result of planned work to make the cliff safer by removing loose rock.

However, it has also advised those using the beach to stay away from the base of cliffs in case of any further rockfalls.

A spokesperson for Vale of Glamorgan Council said: “What was reported as a rockfall by a member of the public was actually planned maintenance carried out by the council.

“From time to time, the council carries out combing exercises to remove loose rock overhangs from Jackson’s Bay.

“This is for public safety, but it is important to note that rock falls are a natural and ongoing occurrence which can happen anywhere along the Vale coast and beach users are always advised to stay away from the base of cliffs for this reason.

“There are signs at various points along the Wales Coast Path warning people of the dangers and fencing has been erected for walkers’ protection.”