A woman and her dog had a heart-stopping escape as a cliff collapsed just feet away from them, sending rocks and debris crashing onto beach huts below.

Caught on camera by Russel Mole, the footage shows the woman seated outside her hut in Bournemouth with her dog when, suddenly, the cliffside crumbles and she bolts to safety.

Landslide Triggers Safety Concerns and Closures

Following this unexpected landslide, the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council reinforced the area with barriers, having already cordoned it off after a smaller landslip on October 9.

The council is currently conducting an assessment of the cliff’s stability, promising to keep beach hut owners informed as they evaluate the damage.

Longtime Hut Owner Voices Concerns

Among the beach hut owners affected, Natalie Carr, who has rented a hut in the area for 18 years, expressed her growing anxiety.

“We haven’t been allowed close enough to inspect yet,” she explained, noting that her hut is visibly damaged with its structure slightly tilted and its roof partially compromised.

“We’re hoping some of it can still be salvaged,” she added, describing her hut as “wonky” but possibly repairable.

Carr explained that until BCP Council deems the area safe, she and other owners are barred from retrieving their belongings.

“It could take months, and with further landslides, there could be even more damage,” she said.

Her frustration grew as she mentioned recent expenses, including a £4,000 renovation, on top of ongoing ground rent payments to the council.

Heavy Rainfall Blamed for Increased Landslides

The latest landslide comes just days after another alarming incident, in which a man narrowly escaped being struck by a beach hut sent flying by a similar cliff collapse.

This recent wave of landslides has been attributed to the heavy rainfall that Bournemouth has been experiencing, saturating and destabilizing the cliffs.

Awaiting the Next Steps

Beach hut owners now anxiously await the council’s assessment, hoping for some clarity and a timeline for when they might regain access.

The council continues to monitor the area closely, aware of the potential risks and the challenges faced by owners like Carr.

With additional rainfall predicted, the situation remains tense as residents prepare for the possibility of further landslides.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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