PEOPLE are being warned they risk serious injury if they climb on rock armour which has been delivered to Blue Anchor beach for a coast protection scheme.

The beach has recently seen 13,500 tonnes of rock shipped in from Glensanda Quarry in western Scotland, to be used for reprofiling of the cliff slopes.

A spokesperson for sub-contractor Kelston Sparkes said: “As soon as the tide goes out our team are there collecting the rocks to build up the sea defences at the cliff.”

Heavy machinery is being used on Blue Anchor beach to move rock armour.
Heavy machinery is being used on Blue Anchor beach to move rock armour. (Somerset Council)

The rock will protect the cliffs from further erosion which has been threatening the B3191 road and the nearby Anchors Drop Hotel.

But people seen climbing on the giant boulders prompted Watchet Coastguards this week to issue a warning about the danger.

A coastguard spokesperson said: “Please avoid these essential coastal defence works at Blue Anchor.

“Climbing on the rock armour is not recommended in the event of slipping and falling from height as well as potentially getting trapped.

“The soft sand and mud around the rock armour shifts and those venturing on the beach risk themselves and rescuers if they get stuck while trying to navigate around the works.”

Access to the beach and slipway has been restricted while heavy machinery has been in operation for the project.

Heavy plant in action moving rock armour on Blue Anchor beach.
Heavy plant in action moving rock armour on Blue Anchor beach. (Kelston Sparkes Group)

The fragility of the coastline in Blue Anchor has been underlined with the indefinite closure earlier this year of the B3191 at Cleeve Hill, near Watchet.

The scheme has been designed by consultancy WSP and is being delivered by contractor Kier and Kelston Sparkes with work expected to finish by the end of September.