Stone fall

People are being urged to keep away from deteriorating cliffs that tumbled down in spectacular fashion yesterday (Wednesday, January 28). Massive amounts of rock and debris plummeted onto the shore at Porth Swtan (Church Bay), Anglesey.This marked the fourth documented rockfall at the shoreline within the last two weeks, sparking worries about public safety. Continuous weathering of the cliff face has now reached dangerously near to the island's coastal walkway.Anglesey Council has responded by shutting off a stretch of the pathway overlooking the well-known beach. Through a social media post, the authority urged visitors to "avoid the area". The council had only recently installed a fresh warning sign on Porth Swtan's entrance slope, alerting people to the danger of tumbling stones.Following yesterday's cliff collapse, the authority stated: "Part of the coastal path is closed. We kindly ask people not to visit the area."Specialists from GeoMôn, Anglesey's UNESCO Global Geopark, explained that the cliffs are permeable, fragile and have been "crumbling for decades". They consist of "tuff", a lightweight rock created from volcanic ash and material expelled during prehistoric eruptions, reports North Wales Live.Yesterday's substantial rockfall came after three smaller – but still considerable – landslides last week. A local resident captured it on film after hearing stones tumbling down the cliffs and sensing something was about to occur.When the cliff gave way, just metres away, the man and a companion rushed to safety. They described it as "really loud" and said it "happened in an instant".It's alleged a second collapse took place shortly afterwards, sending additional debris cascading onto the sand. A witness remarked: "About the same amount fell down again, scary stuff!"The incident has intensified concerns in an area that relies heavily on tourism. During summer the cliffs are drier and less prone to erosion – but recent events have underlined the risks.Local resident John Hayes told North Wales Live: "My concern, as with others, is that beachgoers often set up camp right under the cliffs, perhaps to keep out of the wind."Although not many visitors are here at this time of year, we need to do more to warn them of these dangers."Local businesses rely on the beach attracting visitors for their summer trade. It needs to be safe."As sea levels rise, a shoreline management plan for this stretch of coast has recommended a "do nothing" approach to Porth Swtan's erosion. Hard defences are deemed "unsustainable", risking damage to the beach that provides a natural form of defence.In the longer term, a report suggested managed realignment of the bay might be required, affecting access to the beach and the coastal path above it.