Cliff inspections are set to take place in Sidmouth, as well as in the rest of the district.

East Devon District Council is planning to undertake its annual cliff inspection across two weeks at the end of this month, if weather permits.

The authority will be visiting the town’s Connaught Gardens as well as Budleigh Salterton, Beer and Seaton.

The annual cliff inspections are undertaken to ensure the continued safety of the public using facilities situated beneath the cliffs, such as walkways, beach huts and other assets.

Rope access specialists Abcas UK will be tackling the inspections, which will be supervised by engineering geologists from John Grimes Partnership.

Loose debris on the cliffs will be removed either by hand tools or will be managed through engineering interventions, such as rock netting to catch any falling material. The netting will also allow for long-term planning of the management of the cliffs.

The inspections also aim to ensure the distinctive character of each section of the cliffs, which each have internationally-significant features, are maintained sympathetically. This includes the fossilised animal burrows at Budleigh Salterton - this section of cliff has been awarded Site of Special Scientific Interest status.

The authority plans to go to Seaton between February 18 and 20, Beer between the February 21 and 23 and Sidmouth on the 26. To ensure public safety during the inspections, the walkway below Connaught Gardens will be closed for the duration of the works and walking diversions will be put in place, while rolling cordons will be set up at the remaining sites to allow for continued access.

The last location will be in Budleigh Salterton on February 27.

Councillor Tom Wright, who is responsible for the environment, said: “We really appreciate the public’s cooperation during these essential works, which are part of East Devon’s ongoing programme of inspection and maintenance. Ultimately, the works are being carried out to ensure the safety of people using our stunning beaches.”

There is an interactive map on the council’s website showing the what the authority owns.

Visit eastdevon.gov.uk/seaside/our-coastal-cliffs for more information.