Cliff fall FAQs

The council continues to share any information it receives about potential safety hazards with the owners and occupiers of properties backing onto or on the cliffs we have in our town. We will continue to work with emergency service colleagues if there are cliff falls or other incidents around cliffs. We will provide support to those who are directly affected.

For the cliffs that the council is responsible for regular geotechnical surveys and maintenance work are carried out on behalf of the council. The council cannot provide these for the cliffs that we are not responsible for, this is the responsibility of residents and/or landowners

You need to liaise with the owner of your property to assess the risk of potential rock fall affecting the rear of your property.

If your property has been affected and you are the owner you should tell your insurance company right away who will likely assist you to get specialist advice from a relevant suitably qualified professional.

You should notify your landlord or their managing agent of the letter. It is for them to assess the risk of potential rock fall affecting the rear of the property you live in. They need to decide whether or not it is safe for you to continue to occupy their property, or whether they need to offer you alternative accommodation.

If you are a tenant and you are worried about the safety of your home you should bring your concerns to the attention of your landlord.

If you own the property you may consider staying with friends or relatives or making other arrangements for the short term whilst you contact a relevant suitably qualified professional.

No. You should raise your concerns with your insurance company if you own the property, or your landlord if you are a tenant. However, if your home is directly affected by rock fall or if it is at imminent risk we may seek to find you alternative temporary accommodation if your property is deemed to be unsafe or uninhabitable.

This depends on the area of the cliffs affected – we are able to check our records to find out who if the council owns the land to determine if we are is responsible.

This depends on the area of the cliffs affected – we are able to check our records to find out who if the council owns the land to determine if we are responsible.

No, these circumstances do not entitle you to cease paying council tax.

Contact 999 and ask for the Fire Service if there is a cliff fall that directly affects a building.