Proper cliff-top fencing will prevent deaths, says father of 13-year-old who fell
A section of coastline owned by the National Trust has once again been the scene of a fatality, prompting calls from one victim's father for fencing to be installed.
Rhossili's cliffs in Swansea are renowned for their beauty and are visited by tens of thousands of people each year - anglers even cast off from the cliff ledges. Meanwhile, the beach below has been voted Britain's Best Beach by TripAdvisor for the second year in a row.
However, the cliffs have seen at least three tragic accidents resulting in loss of life in the last 30 years.
In circumstances as yet unclear, a 26-year-old man from Llanelli died earlier this month. South Wales Police are investigating on behalf of Her Majesty's Coroner.
For Alan Miles, a retired television engineer from Skewen, the recent accident has brought back painful memories of how his 13-year-old son Nigel died in September 1983.
Nigel had been standing on a stone towards the edge of the cliff at Middle Bay when it collapsed causing him to fall. The stone's collapse was put down to the effects of a 'particularly harsh winter' of 1982/83.
In August last year, fisherman Kevin Haines, 40, had been walking to his tent in the dark which he and his friend had pitched on ledges overlooking the bay. The body of Mr Haines, who was from Glynneath, was found on the beach below the following morning.
Mr Miles has questioned whether fencing, or at the very least more signs on the cliffs, should be put up to help prevent more fatal accidents.
"I went to Sydney in Australia afterwards with my mother and daughter, and while we were there we went up these cliffs to watch a big boat race.
"They were very similar to Rhossili, and there was a really strong wooden fence and signs saying not to cross it. I don't know what has happened to this chap who died (last Thursday) - but it hit me, 'Could this have been avoided?' It seems to be occurring too often."
A spokesman for the National Trust said that its sympathies went out to the family and friends of the deceased.
However, when asked about whether fencing had been considered the Trust spokesman said: "There are signs there advising people of the risks and urging them to take the utmost care for their personal safety.
"Keeping areas like Rhossili in their natural state and allowing people the opportunity to appreciate them as freely as possible is something we want to continue, for all to enjoy."
started by Colid Stead on 09 May 14
Proper cliff-top fencing will prevent deaths, says father of 13-year-old who fell
A section of coastline owned by the National Trust has once again been the scene of a fatality, prompting calls from one victim's father for fencing to be installed.
Rhossili's cliffs in Swansea are renowned for their beauty and are visited by tens of thousands of people each year - anglers even cast off from the cliff ledges. Meanwhile, the beach below has been voted Britain's Best Beach by TripAdvisor for the second year in a row.
However, the cliffs have seen at least three tragic accidents resulting in loss of life in the last 30 years.
In circumstances as yet unclear, a 26-year-old man from Llanelli died earlier this month. South Wales Police are investigating on behalf of Her Majesty's Coroner.
For Alan Miles, a retired television engineer from Skewen, the recent accident has brought back painful memories of how his 13-year-old son Nigel died in September 1983.
Nigel had been standing on a stone towards the edge of the cliff at Middle Bay when it collapsed causing him to fall. The stone's collapse was put down to the effects of a 'particularly harsh winter' of 1982/83.
In August last year, fisherman Kevin Haines, 40, had been walking to his tent in the dark which he and his friend had pitched on ledges overlooking the bay. The body of Mr Haines, who was from Glynneath, was found on the beach below the following morning.
Mr Miles has questioned whether fencing, or at the very least more signs on the cliffs, should be put up to help prevent more fatal accidents.
"I went to Sydney in Australia afterwards with my mother and daughter, and while we were there we went up these cliffs to watch a big boat race.
"They were very similar to Rhossili, and there was a really strong wooden fence and signs saying not to cross it. I don't know what has happened to this chap who died (last Thursday) - but it hit me, 'Could this have been avoided?' It seems to be occurring too often."
A spokesman for the National Trust said that its sympathies went out to the family and friends of the deceased.
However, when asked about whether fencing had been considered the Trust spokesman said: "There are signs there advising people of the risks and urging them to take the utmost care for their personal safety.
"Keeping areas like Rhossili in their natural state and allowing people the opportunity to appreciate them as freely as possible is something we want to continue, for all to enjoy."