Investigations after partial cliff collapse at Tolcarne Beach

Saturday, 23 August 2025 09:49

The steps down to Tolcarne are closed but the ramp remains open

Investigations are under way into the cause of a "partial cliff collapse" at Tolcarne Beach in Newquay.

Emergency services, including Police, Cornwall Fire and Rescue, Newquay Coastguard and Cornwall Council, were called to the incident at about 11:50am on Friday.

The Narrowcliff, directly above Tolcarne Beach, had already been closed earlier in the day after a burst water main in the early hours left some properties in Newquay with low water pressure or no supply. South West Water said repair work, which was initially estimated to take two to three hours, was completed by about 6pm.

No official link has been confirmed between the burst main and the cliff collapse, but Radio Newquay understands investigations were ongoing.

A spokesperson for South West Water said: “We repaired a burst water main at Tolcarne Beach in Newquay yesterday. We are aware of an ongoing investigation into the safety of the cliffside and are supporting the relevant partners with this.”

In a statement on Friday evening, Newquay Coastguard said: "Due to a section of cliff that had given way this morning, the stairs leading down to Tolcarne Beach were closed to the public, as was the pavement directly above the beach.

Initial assessments carried out by various agencies determined that the beach could remain open to the public, although they would have to use the roadway to access the beach for the time being."

The team added that Cornwall Council and utility companies also attended the scene. A full-time coastguard officer from HM Coastguard Padstow was called in, while RNLI lifeguards assisted at the site.

Radio Newquay has contacted the various agencies for more information.

 

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