PART of West Bay seafront remains cordoned off this week after warnings that a major rock fall could happen at any time.

West Dorset District Council engineers put up barriers and warning signs on the western end of the promenade last week as ominous cracks appeared in the cliffs.

Principal engineer Peter Sunderland told The News that the area of most concern was a rock promontory towards the end of the beachside walkway.

"There are some cracks in that and we had a fairly large landslip to the west of it before Christmas," he told The News.

"There have also been some local landslips around the rock promontory so we have closed the last section of the western promenade as a precaution. If the whole lot goes it is likely to fall right on top of the promenade."

Mr Sunderland said the area would remain fenced off to the public until engineers were able to fully assess the situation during the coming weeks.

Meanwhile Coastguards this week added their voice to those warning of the dangers facing people from the crumbling cliffs between West Bay and Eype.

A spokesman said the general public should take extra care.

"It is not only the beach area that is dangerous, the cliffs top are even more so. Take heed of barriers and warning signs. Do not allow children and dogs to run loose and be safety conscious at all times," they stressed.