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Landslip is 'worst in 100 years' Landslip is 'worst in 100 years'
(about 1 hour later)
A landslip described as "the worst for 100 years" has destroyed more than 400 metres (1,312 ft) of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast.A landslip described as "the worst for 100 years" has destroyed more than 400 metres (1,312 ft) of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast.
The earth movement blocked a stretch of beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth but there are no reports of injuries.The earth movement blocked a stretch of beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth but there are no reports of injuries.
Portland Coastguard was called at 2031 BST on Tuesday after several 999 calls.Portland Coastguard was called at 2031 BST on Tuesday after several 999 calls.
A spokeswoman said the site was "still rumbling" when crews left for the night but it was too dark to assess damage. Work resumed at first daylight.A spokeswoman said the site was "still rumbling" when crews left for the night but it was too dark to assess damage. Work resumed at first daylight.
It's a very, very popular fossiling area, so our main concern is to keep members of the public away Coastguard spokeswomanIt's a very, very popular fossiling area, so our main concern is to keep members of the public away Coastguard spokeswoman
The area is part of 95 miles (153 km) of Dorset and east Devon known as the Jurassic Coast, with rocks recording 185 million years of the earth's history.The area is part of 95 miles (153 km) of Dorset and east Devon known as the Jurassic Coast, with rocks recording 185 million years of the earth's history.
It was England's first natural UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage Site.It was England's first natural UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage Site.
The area affected, about the length of four football pitches, is still very unstable.The area affected, about the length of four football pitches, is still very unstable.
"They've assessed it this morning," the Coastguard spokeswoman said."They've assessed it this morning," the Coastguard spokeswoman said.
"Because it's a big landslip, we've got the local council and police involved to cordon off the beach."Because it's a big landslip, we've got the local council and police involved to cordon off the beach.
"It's a very, very popular fossiling area, so our main concern is to keep members of the public away because it's such a big landslip - it's the biggest they've seen.""It's a very, very popular fossiling area, so our main concern is to keep members of the public away because it's such a big landslip - it's the biggest they've seen."
Major schemes have been carried out to protect the town from landslidesMajor schemes have been carried out to protect the town from landslides
Police described it as the "worst for 100 years".Police described it as the "worst for 100 years".
Lyme Regis is built on a particularly unstable stretch of coastline and previous smaller landslips have exposed fossils on the beaches.Lyme Regis is built on a particularly unstable stretch of coastline and previous smaller landslips have exposed fossils on the beaches.
The coastline has seen numerous stabilisation projects in the past to stop it from crumbling into the sea.The coastline has seen numerous stabilisation projects in the past to stop it from crumbling into the sea.
In February, a consultation began with residents for a new £21m scheme that would have included a new sea wall on the eastern side of the town.In February, a consultation began with residents for a new £21m scheme that would have included a new sea wall on the eastern side of the town.
West Dorset District Council has already carried out two major schemes to protect and stabilise the town.West Dorset District Council has already carried out two major schemes to protect and stabilise the town.
The council's planning and environment director, David Evans, said: "I would strongly advise people to keep away from the landslip for their own safety.
"It is not in a fossil area and is extremely muddy."


Have you seen the landslip? Do you live in the area? Send your pictures and comments using the post form below:Have you seen the landslip? Do you live in the area? Send your pictures and comments using the post form below:
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