NO SIGNS OF FRESH LANDSLIDE AT LUCCOMBE BUT AREA REMAINS UNSTABLE

No injuries or destruction have been reported after fears were raised of a landslide in Luccombe last night (Thursday). HM Coastguard mobilised 2 Coastguard Rescue Teams to Shanklin following reports of a potential large cliff fall in the Luccombe area, as first reported by Island Echo. A local resident reported that they had heard 2 loud noises – described as being like thunderclaps – followed by the sound of falling rock. As darkness had already descended, Coastguards were unable to ascertain whether or not a landslide had occurred. Island Echo deployed 1 of its 2 drones at first light to examine the area for any signs of a fresh landslide. Photographs reveal no obvious signs of major movement, but the area remains unstable with several landslips noticeable – all thought to be existing features. These new photographs reveal that as well as the damage caused to properties at nearby Bonchurch – and further down the coast at St Lawrence – another house has been badly damaged by land movement. The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed its Rights of Way team has inspected the area this morning and can’t find any evidence of a recent cliff fall. Luccombe is adjacent to Bonchurch where 40 acres of land fell away on 10th December last year – described as the largest landslide recorded in Southern England. The Isle of Wight coast is extremely vulnerable following one of the wettest winters on record. It takes around 10-12 weeks for water to seep through the land, meaning there could be movement for some time to come.