RESIDENTS have been urged not to attempt to use a path that was closed after it collapsed due to erosion.

Lyme Regis Town Council has announced the walkway will remain closed while repairs are undertaken.

The council is urging residents not to use the path, which is between Woodmead Road bridge and Jordan Flats, after residents were reportedly seen moving the barriers to pass through.

The diversion while the path is closed is along Anning Road, then down the pathway to Jordan Flats.

The work to repair the collapse started yesterday, Wednesday, October 2, and should be completed by the end of the week.

Engineers from Dorset Council are designing a more permanent fix but works are not likely to take place until summer 2025. 

The walkway has been closed by Dorset Council, but the town council has claimed that people are continuing to try and use it by moving barriers and 'footpath closed' signs.

Deputy town clerk Mark Green said: “The river walkway has been closed for safety reasons and will remain closed while repairs are undertaken.

"Signs and barriers have been placed on the walkway to prevent the public from using it until the work is completed.

“However, some people are completely ignoring the closure and are climbing over the barriers to use the walkway, putting themselves in considerable danger.

“The path remains very unstable, with more cracks opening up, and there is a real risk of further collapse.

“There is a simple diversion in place, along Anning Road and down the pathway to Jordan Flats and we would urge anyone who uses this route to adhere to the closure and follow the safe, alternative route.

“Dorset Council has acted very quickly to undertake the repairs and we thank them for their swift action.”

The walkway between Woodmead Road bridge and Jordan Flats was significantly eroded during Sunday's downpour.

Around one metre of the path was lost and the walkway is undermined by a further half a metre, making it very dangerous for pedestrians.

Another section of the path next to the affected area has a significant crack and could also collapse.