FEARS have been raised a gate installed at Whipsiderry beach to keep people safe could result in someone getting “seriously hurt or killed”.

Residents are concerned someone could lose their balance and topple over the side of the cliff while misusing the gate.

It has been reported that a number of people have been spotted climbing over the gate after becoming stuck behind the barrier instead of telephoning the emergency services.

They argue there is not enough signage to warn people who walk along the beach from Porth and Watergate Bay that there is no exit if they become cut off by the incoming tide.

There are now concerns the situation could get a lot worse during the Boardmasters Festival unless measures are taken swiftly.

Cornwall Council said it has erected the gate and industrial steel fencing at Whipsiderry to deter people from using the steps that lead down onto the beach following the three major cliff collapses.

The collapses occurred after a developer carried out cliff stabilisation work ahead of its plans to build seven luxury villas on the clifftop above on the site of the former Paradise Cove Hotel.

Jane Wood said: “I looked out the window and saw someone stuck at Whipsiderry behind the gate. I went over to see if they had a phone, but her daughter had already climbed over to get help as they didn't have a phone.

“Another man came to help as they didn't want to call 999. This is going to keep happening. People will try and climb instead of calling emergency services and someone will end up getting hurt. They had walked from Watergate. They didn't see any signs.

“I'm not sure how they will cope at Boardmasters. You can't stop people walking along the beach from Watergate and I don't think the signs will be seen. It's absolutely ridiculous.

“So many will get stuck. So many will climb. It's terrifying.”

Gus Horsley added: “At least five groups of people have been trapped at the gate within the past week. I was talking to one of the lifeguards on Porth and they didn't have the combination code though they have it now.

“Two people were trapped for sometime after being told by surfers that the steps were an escape route.

“There is still no signage at Watergate, Porth or the bottom of the steps. Surely this should be addressed as a matter of urgency as it is just about possible to bypass the gate by clinging to vegetation over a deep drop.”

Wayne Vincent said: “We all knew it was only a matter of time before people started getting stuck if they put a locked gate up there.

“It should be always open and enter at one’s own risk if there's still risk of cliff fall.”

In response a Cornwall Council spokesperson shared the following safety message with the Voice: “Residents and visitors are asked to be aware that, for safety reasons, the steps down to Whipsiderry beach are closed and to please stay away from the cliffs in the area as there is a high potential for further cliff falls. 

“The gate in place as the top of the steps is to deter people from trying to use them to access the beach and potentially put themselves and others at risk.  

“With the steps not accessible, there is a risk of getting cut off by the tide if walking along the beach from Porth towards Watergate. Additional warning signs have been put in place at key points as a reminder.   

“The council has liaised with both the RNLI and H M Coastguard who are able to access the steps if they need to. 

“The advice is to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in an emergency. 

“Throughout the Boardmasters event a security officer will be present at the top of Whipsiderry between the hours of 8am and 8pm. They will manage any access issues and deter people from attempting to climb the fencing. 

“The steps will have to remain closed for the foreseeable future whilst concerns remain over the instability of the cliffs with the potential for further cliff falls, and while the unstable debris pile at the base of the cliff remains in situ.   

“Natural processes will eventually erode and remove this material allowing for a more detailed stability assessment, however at present there is a high potential for further cliff falls.   

“Please share this safety message and if you are a local accommodation provider, please inform your guests.”