Torquay clifftop house on brink of collapse amid landslips
PROLONGED rainfall has brought new problems with more landslips across South Devon.
There was chaos after a quarter of a tonne of mud slid on to the A379 Teignmouth Road between Shaldon and Torquay on Monday.
The landslip was reported at just after 6am. Both lanes were only just passable near Labrador Bends until the road was cleared at lunchtime.
At Goodrington, the promenade underneath the Cliff Gardens at Roundham Head remains closed while Torbay Council geologists look into a second fall of sandstone, bringing rock and trees down on to the walkway.
£1 off the price of swan boat or bumper boat hire with this voucher
Terms: Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or voucher
Contact: 01803 221090
Valid until: Saturday, November 02 2013
A Torbay Council spokesman said: "There was an additional fall of some small trees, shrubbery and soil on Sunday, January 27.
"The affected path has been closed off to the public until the area is cleared and made safe.
"We are currently waiting on a geologist's report regarding the security of the land above and will know more in terms of timescales then."
In Torquay, the house directly above dramatic landslides at Oddicombe beach has attracted national media attention as its building slowly collapses.
Ridgemont House has been the focus of widespread attention over the last three years following a number of landslides.
In mid December, a geologist warned that a major fall was 'imminent' at Oddicombe.
A Torbay Council spokesman said this week: "There were some minor landslips at Oddicombe over the Christmas period.
"We wish to repeat our advice to members of the public, strongly urging them to observe the 'beach closed' signs at the north end of the beach, for their safety."
Ridgemont House is unoccupied and fenced off with 'dangerous structure — keep out' signs and is the subject of a legal dispute.
In February 2010, 5,000 tonnes of boulders crashed down on to Oddicombe Beach, below Ridgemont House which was left just 50 yards from the edge of the cliff.
A neighbour of the property, who did not want to be named, told the Herald Express that Ridgemont House was built after all the other houses in the street, just over the hill.
She said: "I'm certain Ridgemont House is going to go. It's completely deteriorating."
Comments