Warnings of fresh rock fall at Gower beauty spot
MORE rocks could tumble in a part of Gower which has been hit by two falls in six weeks.
Tens of thousands of tonnes of rock have fallen from the cliff onto the sand at Oxwich Bay, and engineers say there is nothing that can be done to stabilise the land.
They say the area is at particular risk because the bedrock, which supports the hard limestone cliffs above, is tilting downwards at an angle towards the beach.
But they are unable to say when any further fall might occur – in weeks or years.
Mark Campbell, from Jubb Consulting Engineers, said: “There are tension cracks in the rock behind which means we can expect more rock fall, but in terms of time it is impossible to say when.
“The area has a history of rock fall, because historically it was a quarry, so it is not unusual. The recent falls have been quite large.”
The first of the two recent falls was in January, when a landslide sent boulders the size of small houses onto Oxwich Bay, tumbling down from the east-facing section of coastline past St Illtyd’s Church.
Weeks later another landslide decimated part of a cliff.
Both incidents happened on part of the bay which used to be a limestone quarry until the end of the 19th century.
The area experienced another landslide nine years ago.
The Wales Coast Path was closed following the rock falls, but has since reopened after it was deemed to be a safe distance away from the area.
But Swansea coastguards have warned people to stay away from the edges of the cliff for their safety.
And Ian Williams, who owns the land and the nearby Oxwich Bay Hotel, said: “It’s spectacular and people will want to come and look at it, but the message is please don’t go into it.
“We’re advised that more could move, and if they did, people wouldn’t get out in time. It’s as simple as that.”
A Swansea council spokesman added: “The coast path is far enough away from the rockslide so as not to be a danger to walkers. We are in contact with the landowner and are monitoring the situation.”