Landslides force coastal path to shut again

Part of a coastal path has been closed for the second time in two years due to landslides.

The landslides happened on the Tramway path between the Coppet Hall and Wisemans Bridge tunnels in Pembrokeshire, and mean access to the beaches in both areas is now restricted.

The closure is likely to last several months, with the path having only reopened in August following £600,000 remedial works.

Pembrokeshire council said "a number of triggers" linked to winter weather made further rock fall possible and a detailed survey would take place.

A geotechnical advisor has been commissioned to assess the cliff face and determine the nature and depth of the rock fall.

The council added this would allow remedial works to be designed, "which could include removal and regrade of the rock fall, plus the installation of a catch fence".

It added the specialist had recommended the path remained closed until a solution could be put in place.

The beach-side coastal path, known as the Tramway, was previously closed after "substantial rock falls" in late 2023 and early 2024.

Last March, Pembrokeshire council's cabinet backed works expected to cost about £600,000, with an initial expected finish date of the start of the school summer holidays.

But reopening was delayed until early August due to another landslip along the path, with additional remedial works needed.

Local councillor Chris Williams hit out at "selfish" path users at the time, saying he believed they were putting others at risk by repeatedly cutting open safety barriers and fencing while the repair works were being carried out.

Barriers and warning signs were put in place at the entrance to the first of the two tunnels which lead from Coppet Hall to Wisemans Bridge, along with fencing on the Wisemans Bridge side which was later vandalised.

A gate was then put in place on the Coppet Hall side.