Dramatic images captured the moment when a cliff collapse sent orange dust cascading over beachgoers at a Devon beach. The incident occurred at Jacob’s Ladder beach in Sidmouth around 3 pm on July 18, just days before a nearby thatched cottage went up for auction.
The three-bedroom property failed to sell for £250,000 on July 21. This property, originally designed for novelist R. F. Delderfield in the 1960s, is perched on Peak Hill Road with stunning views of the beach. Despite its market value ranging from £1.1 million to £1.6 million, the current owner purchased it for £695,000 in 2011.
Both the Grade II-listed Jacob’s Ladder steps and the Millennium Walkway have been closed for safety reasons this year and are expected to remain shut until at least 2027. These closures are part of safety measures due to the unstable soft rock cliffs in the area.
Sidmouth town beach and Jacob’s Ladder beach are integral parts of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Jurassic Coast, extending from Exmouth to Dorset. East Devon Council emphasized the inherent risks of rock falls and landslides in the region, underscoring the need for caution and adherence to safety guidelines.
To enhance beach user safety, the council provides clear signage at all managed beaches and advises a safe distance from cliff edges. In case of a cliff fall incident, emergency services should be contacted immediately, and individuals are urged not to approach or explore affected areas.
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