Warning issued by National Trust over Coastal Cliffs due to impact of heavy rain

The National Trust has issued a safety warning over the condition of cliffs along the coastline due to land movements caused by heavy rain.

Citing events in Easington, they reported there was a collapse on one of the cliffs in the area today due to the impact of the weather.

However, this warning is applicable for the entire regional coastline south of the River Tyne stretching down from South Shields, to Sunderland, to East Durham to the River Tees.

This geological area, known as “The East Durham Plain” is composed of magnesian limestone which is known for its solubility in water and easy erosion, creating a span of towering cliff beaches which are very fragile.

Falling debris from cliffs and landslides can cause injury or even death.