More erosion fears over the White Cliffs of Dover

TONNES of chalk from the White Cliffs of Dover have collapsed into the English Channel.A mound of chalk was left on the shore after part of the cliff-face sheared off near St Margaret’s Bay between Dover and Deal in Kent.

Dover Coastguard said a bench and fencing which sat on the cliff-top were sent tumbling to the foot, prompting warnings to coastal walkers.

The collapse is suspected to have been caused by a combination of high winds and rain freezing after being absorbed into the chalk and then expanding, causing the cliff to weaken.

A Dover Coastguard spokesman said: “There was a similar fall in 2012 but this one is smaller than that one. A bench and fence have gone down with it.

“Coastguard rescue officers were tasked to make an assessment of the area and take some pictures which were sent off to the relevant authorities.

“The cliff-fall extends about 150 yards from the base of the cliff towards the sea at ground level, and the fall is 15ft to 20ft high.”

The National Trust, which owns the land, has been made aware of last week’s collapse and warning signs alerting walkers about it have been installed.

The Kent landmark, immortalised by Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime song The White Cliffs of Dover, has suffered large falls before, most significantly in March last year.