Coastal pathway closed after fractures appear near cliff edge making it 'unsafe' for walkers

National Trust bosses took photographs showing the fractures along the England Cost Path, near Easington Colliery.

These are believed to have been caused by ongoing erosion aggravated by recent bad weather.

Part of the footpath, north of the nature reserve car park, has been closed and the public is being warned to avoid the area.

Posting a warning on social media, the National Trust said the footpath is ‘becoming unsafe’.

A National Trust spokesman added said: “A section of the England Coast Path near Easington Colliery in County Durham has become unsafe due to ongoing erosion, aggravated by wet weather.

“The National Trust is working closely with Durham County Council to reduce risk to the public.

“A stretch of the footpath where it heads north along the cliff tops from the nature reserve car park towards Shippersea Bay has been closed, and a diversion and safety signage put in place.”

The public is being warned to avoid the area.

Mike Ogden, Durham County Council’s access and rights of way team leader, said: “As soon as we were made aware of the issue with this path, we worked with the National Trust to close it as soon as possible, in the interests of public safety.

“We have put up signs to advise of the closure and also established a signposted diversion route to ensure access to the England Coast Path is not affected.

“People are advised not to enter the closed area for their own safety.”