Funicular railway damaged in landslide on Bournemouth coast
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Version 0 of 1. An Edwardian funicular railway has been damaged after a huge landslide sent tonnes of debris crashing down on a coastal resort. The East Cliff lift in Bournemouth was battered by stone, rock, soil and other debris as the pathway at the top of the 100ft verge gave way. It is believed heavy rainfall on the east Dorset coastline, coupled with a dip in temperature over the weekend, could have triggered the landslide. The site, between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers, was cordoned off on Saturday night because of concerns about the safety of the clifftop. Workers awoke on Sunday to discover the railway, which was built in 1908, was partially submerged by debris, while a public toilet block at the foot of the cliffs was destroyed. Nobody was injured during the incident. A Bournemouth council spokesman said a cordon would remain in place for the early part of the week amid concerns of further damage. The spokesman said: “The seafront promenade remains open but areas at the top and bottom of the affected cliff area remain sealed off. Seafront staff noticed signs of cliff movement on Saturday and closed the area off as a precaution. No one was hurt.” |